Cultural Challenges in Providing Psychosocial-Spiritual Support to Children with Cancer and Their Families, Turkey

Abstract

Survival rates for pediatric cancer have improved significantly over the past few decades. However, the journey from diagnosis to treatment and then follow-up is challenging. Families of children with cancer struggle with an acute life-altering disease as well as with long-term possible chronic complications. In most types of pediatric cancer, the duration of the treatment is long and both the child and caregivers may spend many months in the hospital, which affects the child, their entire family, and those close to the child. The care of a child with cancer must be family-centered, and it is essential to understand the cultural background of the family. Cultural differences should be respected throughout all interactions—while informing the patient and family of the diagnosis, during treatment, and at the end of life. Psychosocial support must be provided to the child, family, and health care staff. Palliative care (PC) is a set of approaches that aims to improve the physical, social, and psychological well-being of both the patient and the family. PC should begin at diagnosis and continue throughout treatment until the end of life. Health care professionals should be sensitive to and tolerant of various traditions or religious beliefs in order to meet the needs of patients and families.