Childhood cancer within a family and medical context in eThekwini : strengthening psychosocial and spiritual interventions to enable coping and healing

Abstract

Cancer is an ancient disease, with evidence of its existence tracing back to early human history. The earliest documented cases of cancer appear in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dated around 1600 BCE. Childhood cancer affects not just the physical health of paediatric patients but has profound psychological, social, and spiritual effects, with far reaching implications for their families as well. This study, titled "Childhood Cancer within a Family and Medical Context in eThekwini: Strengthening Psychosocial and Spiritual Interventions to Enable Coping and Healing," explored the multidimensional effects of this disease on patients and their families and explored the psychosocial and spiritual support systems available within the hospital setting. Conducted at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in eThekwini, the study aimed to identify interventions that could support both patients and families through the cancer journey. Guided by a qualitative case study design, the study used non-probability purposive sampling, to recruit parents of paediatric cancer patients. Health and social service professionals who worked closely with these patients and their families, were also recruited to participate in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically to gather rich insights into the lived experiences of the parents and to explore their experiences, through the lens of health and social service professionals. Findings revealed that paediatric cancer patients experienced intense emotional distress and anxiety due to the fear of death, the aversion to medical procedures, social isolation, disrupted peer and social relationships, and stigma related to physical changes post-treatment. Families were further impacted because of strain within their marriage, the fear of losing a child, and financial hardship, all of which underscored the multifaceted impact of childhood cancer on paediatric cancer patients and their families. Despite these challenges, the study found that certain psychosocial interventions within the hospital context helped ease the emotional burden Participants emphasized the importance of securing access to therapies such as music and art therapy, yoga, and other spiritually based practices to help them cope. These interventions were seen as essential to promoting strength, comfort, hope and emotional stability for both children and their caregivers. The study concluded that medical treatment alone does not suffice to address the realm of paediatric cancer patient. Physical care must be integrated with psycho-social and spiritual care to ensure a more holistic healing process. Hope, resilience, and faith were central themes that emerged as powerful enablers of coping and survivorship. The findings advocate for the integration of spiritually grounded, psychosocial, and family-centred care, within standard oncology practice, with the goal of ensuring that the recovery journey is more manageable for paediatric cancer patients and their families.