The Emotional Impact of Cancer

Attorney Kevin Luke Murphy began his legal career as a federal judicial law clerk in Covington, Kentucky. He now leads the litigation law firm Murphy Landen Jones, PLLC, in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, as partner. Apart from his work as an attorney, Kevin L. Murphy spends time contributing to various charities, including the Phyllis Foundation, Inc., where he serves as a board member.

The Phyllis Foundation seeks to provide support to people with cancer and their families as they contend with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Beyond the physical toll of cancer and subsequent radiation therapy on the body are the psychological and emotional consequences of the disease. Anxiety, fear, and depression are just a few of the emotions a patient, as well as friends and family, may have to navigate. 

Certain emotional elements might seem obvious to loved ones trying to support a family member or friend. Fear, for example, in regards to the outcome of a diagnosis is very natural, though that does not make the fear any easier to deal with or mitigate. Other emotional responses might be less expected. For example, physical changes related to cancer can significantly impact a person’s confidence and self-esteem.

There are several approaches that can be taken when it comes to addressing emotional issues. Social support is very important where depression presents. Patients who have a strong social support network realize a much higher quality of life compared to patients who feel isolated and alone over the course of treatment. It can also be helpful to encourage an individual to express their true emotions, as masking fear and anxiety on behalf of loved ones will only further complicate matters.