Informal Caregivers: An Essential Pillar in the Fight Against Cancer and its Need for Support
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37387/ipc.v13i2.408Keywords:
informal caregiver, psychological health, cognitive health, impact, public policiesAbstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly 10 million deaths recorded in 2020. In the Americas, cases rose to 4.2 million in 2022, with a projection of 6.7 million by 2045. Oncology is a multifactorial and multidimensional disease. This means its management requires an interdisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals. It is multidimensional not only because it affects cancer patients and the healthcare personnel providing care but also because it impacts their family members, who, in many cases, take on the role of informal caregivers. An informal caregiver (IC) is someone who, without formal training or financial compensation, assumes a significant commitment to caregiving out of emotional ties to the patient. Studies indicate that ICs, predominantly women aged 40 to 73, face high levels of stress, burnout syndrome, and a decline in their quality of life. In Panama, the growing number of cancer cases highlights the urgency of addressing the needs of ICs to ensure their well-being and the quality of care they provide. The country’s current situation and the increasing number of cancer patients emphasize the necessity of recognizing ICs as an essential pillar of the healthcare system. Providing them with training, psychological support, and resources is not only an ethical obligation but also a strategic move to ensure the system's sustainability in the future.
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