Researcher calls for governmental Social Policy on Cancer

Dr Deborah Atobrah of the Institute of African Studies of the University of Ghana, on Tuesday recommended a governmental social policy on cancer to mitigate the burden of care on family caregivers.

She said: “With the absence of a visible institutional programme and support to mitigate the burden of chronic illnesses both patient and care givers who are family members provide care under intense stress and strain."

Dr Atobrah was sharing some contents of a research she conducted on the Care for Cancer Patients in Accra, as part of a forum organized by the Economy of Ghana Network to discuss: Health, Care and well-being in Ghana.

The research involved the qualitative study of 12 Ga cancer patients and their families recruited from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

She noted that there was widespread evidence that attitudes towards chronic illnesses, including caring for the various needs of such patients, was socio-culturally determined and based on norms, beliefs and perceptions.

He said some patients diagnosed with cancer tend to keep it a secret, however, it becomes a big burden on the family and put the families involved under intense stress.

"Cancer treatment is so expensive, but people in Ghana with cancer who receive very little income still have to treat the disease at almost global rate," she added.

Usually it is a case of helplessness, seeing that your spouse is going to die without being able to do anything about it, she said pointing out that some women who suffer cancer try to live normal life because of the lack of a proper care giver.

Using the example of a Secretary called Clara (Not the real name) she said Clara even though was diagnosed with cancer, tried to live normal, she was working, doing house chores and it hastened her death.

Dr Atobrah said the current social transformations made it expedient for non-governmental organizations and religious groups, to promote the establishment of institutional care facilities such as hospices with the aim of augmenting the effort of family caregivers and easing the discomfort and pain associated with chronic diseases.