Stress: destructive and, often, unmentioned
A patient who is diagnosed with a malignant disease must make every effort to reduce stress in his or her life.
In our society, everyone faces stress, whether it be at work, at home, or financial in character. Stress, with its attendant anxiety or depression, is destructive, for it erodes the body's immune system that is so important in battling malignancy.
Most cancer patientts, when speaking to their physicians, only relate physical symptoms and do not burden the physician with complaints of psychosocial stress. While this may appear understandable, this is not promoting one's recovery.
A patient would help himself or herself greatly by taking the bold step to discuss emotions, if not with the physician, then with an oncology social worker who has the training and competence to be of great assistance.