Economic and psychosocial problems experienced by pediatric with cancer patients and their families during the treatment and follow-up process

AIM: To identify the psychosocial and economic problems of the pediatric patients with cancer who were treated at the Dr. Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology and Child Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Department and their relatives during this process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We interviewed a total of 100 patients who were treated at Dr. Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology and Child Health and Diseases Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Department between 1996 and 2015, and were now followed up without treatment and their relatives using survey questions on the psychosocial and economic problems they experienced. RESULTS: Most of patients were from provinces outside Ankara. The average monthly income was below the level that would meet the family needs in 80% of the families and only 16% had extra income. Additional economic support had been received by 93% of the families in the patient group. Twenty-five families (25%) had been forced to sell property during the treatment. Forty-nine (49%) families had borrowed money from acquaintances and relatives or had taken out a bank loan. Serious psychological problems were experienced during and after the treatment by 46% of the mothers; 41% of the families had used religious procedures more commonly during the treatment period to cope with the psychological problems. Education was subject to a 1–2 year pause in 83% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Childhood-age patients with cancer and their families experience significant psychosocial and economic problems during and after the treatment process. Providing medical treatment and psychosocial support in harmony is an important factor that increases the success of cancer treatment. The patient and the family will require psychosocial support mechanisms throughout life, starting from the moment they face the disease. Developing national social support programs and legal regulations to form a basis for such programs are required in our country.