Study to Assess Knowledge of Coping Mechanism of Radiotherapy Among Cancer Patients Who are Receiving Radiotherapy in Satara District

Abstract

Cancer is a disease in which body cells grow uncontrollably & spread to different parts of the body. Cancer is the second most common cause of deaths world-wide. It can grow anywhere in the human Body, which of cells is made up of trillion cells. Mainly it is classified into benign & malignant tumors, which affects the Individual social, physical, mental and emotional development. For cancer, it is important to take appropriate treatment like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc. Radiotherapy is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells & shrink tumors. The aim of this therapy is to relief the symptoms of cancer thereby improving person’s well-being. Although it also had several systemic side-effects like hair loss (alopecia), nausea & vomiting, skin problems, fatigue, etc. Almost 50% to 60% of patients with cancer require radiotherapy. So, there are various coping mechanisms that the cancer patients used to cope with it. These coping strategies mainly includes psychological, physical, social, financial, and rehabilitative strategies. Coping strategies helps the cancer patients to tolerate, minimize and deal with stressful and negative emotions. It also helps to support cancer patients & increase their self- esteem to overcome through cancer.