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Description
The project aims at empowering adolescent and young adult patients and survivors of cancer as well as health professionals. Also, it aims at improving the interconnection of the involved institutions and stakeholders (CSOs and Hospitals).
Oncological disease in adolescence and the onset of adulthood meets the intensity and complexity of psychosocial changes, unprecedented for the adolescents/young adults themselves and their family. This induces extraordinary therapeutic and psychosocial difficulties for all the involved people and its impact is also serious on those who have survived. The psychosocial support of this vulnerable group in Greek hospitals is fragmented, in the absence of specific services and interconnection difficulties. Under the project the patients and survivors of cancer will be empowered through a holistic approach.
The main project activities for adolescent and young adult patients and survivors are individual and group psychotherapy, art workshops and counseling support, Also, the project addresses to family members of adolescent and young adult patients and survivors through psychological and counseling support and last but not least to health professionals through clinical supervision of medical and nursing staff, training programs for medical and nursing staff in the psychosocial oncology of adolescents / young people and educational programs for mental health professionals.
By the end of the project 125 adolescents/young patients and survivors of cancer and also 75 health professionals who take care young people with oncological disease are expected to be supported.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the following challenges:
- Psychosocial Support for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Adolescents and young adults (ages 12-24) with cancer often face unique emotional and psychological challenges, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future.
- Lack of Specialized Support for Family Members: Family members, particularly parents, also require psychological support when a child or young adult is diagnosed with cancer.
- Need for Education and Empowerment for Healthcare Professionals: Healthcare professionals, especially those working in oncology, may lack specific training in providing psychosocial support to adolescent and young cancer patients.
- Limited Awareness and Public Engagement in Psychosocial Oncology: There was a need to raise awareness of the psychosocial challenges faced by cancer patients, particularly young survivors, and to engage the wider community through education and exhibitions.
The project implemented a variety of activities aimed at addressing the needs of both cancer patients and healthcare professionals:
Psychosocial Support Services:
- Provided psychological support to 130 adolescents, young patients, and survivors.
- Offered support for adolescents and young people with a family member diagnosed with cancer.
- Delivered counseling for parents of adolescent or young patients.
Workshops and Creative Expression:
- Organized workshops for adolescent patients, including a musical expression and creation workshop (DO-RE-LA) and a photography workshop for young survivors (ages 18-32).
- Hosted a photography exhibition ("One Click, and Then?") showcasing the works of young cancer survivors, which was displayed at the Booze Cooperativa.
Training and Professional Empowerment:
- Conducted clinical supervision for mental health professionals working with adolescents and young oncology patients.
- Held seminars and training sessions for nurses and doctors to improve their skills in providing psychosocial support to adolescent oncology patients.
- Translated scientific articles to educate healthcare staff on psychosocial oncology and psychosomatics.
Public Engagement and Awareness:
- Organized a Psychosocial Oncology Symposium on “Tell me, how long is tomorrow?” to address issues related to cancer survival and psychosocial care. This event was held both in-person and online.
- Maintained a Facebook page for systematic communication and outreach.
The project achieved the following results:
Beneficiaries:
- Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: 130 patients and survivors received direct psychological support.
- Family Members: Parents of young cancer patients received counseling and support.
- Healthcare Professionals: 79 professionals (nurses, doctors, and mental health workers) were trained and empowered in psychosocial oncology.
- The General Public: The photography exhibition and the symposium reached a broader audience, raising awareness and engagement around psychosocial issues in cancer care.
Key Outcomes:
- Psychological Support: Provided consistent support to adolescent and young adult patients, helping them cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.
- Workshops and Exhibitions: The workshops offered creative outlets, such as music and photography, to help young patients express themselves. The photography exhibition drew a strong public response with hundreds of visitors.
- Training and Empowerment: The professional empowerment seminars and clinical supervision improved the skills of healthcare professionals in handling the psychosocial aspects of oncology care.
- Symposium and Public Engagement: The symposium on psychosocial oncology attracted 125 participants, highlighting the importance of psychosocial care in cancer survival.
Impact: The project helped improve the emotional well-being of adolescent and young adult cancer patients and their families, provided educational tools to healthcare professionals, and raised awareness in the wider community. The combination of support services, creative workshops, and professional development for healthcare providers contributed to a more comprehensive approach to psychosocial oncology. Additionally, the public exhibitions and symposium helped bring attention to the need for more focused care in the area of psychosocial support for cancer patients.