Young people living with cancer

• April 19, 2024

Osteosarcomas are a type of bone cancer which is common to find in the young sector of Mexico, because it is associated with increase and it is at this stage that the bones of the body grow the most, says psychologist Diana Montelongo, Manager of the Emotional Support program of the Casa de la Amistad.

The Ewin's sarcoma and the lymphomas They are also among the most affected among young people.

It is considered difficult to specify specific factors that cause cancer in a early age, but it can be manifested by environmental factors, such as lifestyle. "The only cancer that is known to hereditary is retinoblastoma cancer, a type of cancer that appears in eyes and it is common to see it in children "Indicates Montelongo.

Feelings in patients

There is no good age to suffer Cancer, but in the adolescence stage it can be even more difficult to go through this disease, because by nature, the adolescent defies the established rules , you want to experiment, live by your own rules and cancer sends you a contrary message. Cancer tells the adolescent that his life will stop in many aspects, in his projects, plans and in his independence.

"Adolescents who suffer from cancer often go from independent living to a total dependence even to go to the bathroom, "says the specialist in Emotional Support . "All the plans are stopped or modified, which generates feelings of frustration, where patients usually have a stage of isolation and do not want to talk to anyone, then go to sadness, despair and anger, much anger.

After experiencing the anger You can advance in two ways, which is to experience resentment with the situation, or acceptance of reality with optimism.

"Everyone goes through the anger for example: not being able to attend school, they get angry with their friends, which causes greater annoyance with their own classmates and end up many times isolating themselves, as if they will try protect yourself from pain "Says Montelongo. However, it is at this stage where less denial is presented. There is a lot of reality principle. Patients know that death is one of the probabilities and that it is possibly part of the development of the disease. It is a direct confrontation.

Cancer Resilience

The resilience it is defined as the ability of people to live in adverse situations and emerge strengthened with optimism.There is extensive research literature in which the importance of emotional support in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer is evident, but there are few organizations in Mexico that work on the subject.

This new trend began after the Second World War and is currently booming in Europe and Latin America. The term "resilience" comes from physics, where it is defined as the ability of metals to withstand high pressures without breaking and acquiring a new form. In people it is the same. It is the ability to get out of difficult situations , the confrontation with pain and the uncertain future but with a goal. Understand that this is your reality now and find the solution to the problems you encounter.

Casa de la Amistad is an organization that works with patients and families in the development of cancer in young people and children, since the cancer environment in an adult hospital can be a very different experience. The organization provides a space where anger is respected, therapy is provided and Emotional Support through different programs, both for children, youth and parents.

For more information about their programs, visit the page: //www.casadelaamistad.org.mx/

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