Pre- and post-radiotherapy assessment of psychosocial factors in female cancer patients and their caregivers: a clinical observational study from India

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the psychological factors impacting female cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and the individuals providing care for them, within a sociocultural environment that frequently marginalizes and depends on women. This research highlights a strategy for cancer care that may enhance results for both patients and caregivers by attending to psychosocial needs. The primary objectives are to measure the levels of anxiety, depression, quality of life, and perceived stress in both patients and caregivers, as well as to determine how psychosocial counseling affects these factors. METHODS: It was a single-group pre-post observational study. Before starting radiotherapy, assessment of various psychosocial factors was done in female cancer patients and their respective caregivers. Psychosocial counseling sessions were conducted at weekly intervals during radiotherapy. At the 6th week after radiotherapy, assessment of same psychosocial factors was done again in both the patients as well as their caregivers. RESULTS: The results show that both patients and caregivers had serious psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and decreased quality of life. Psychosocial modulation was associated with improvement in quality of life measures like overall health and emotional and physical functioning. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight how crucial it is to include psychological support in radiotherapy regimens. Despite limitations of the study, such as its exclusive focus on female patients, the results highlight the need to provide clinical staff with psycho-oncological training. The study recommends further investigation to ascertain the long-term effects of psychological health on treatment compliance and patient survival.