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Description
In approximately 70% of cases of young patients, cancer can be cured. On the other hand, it not only devastates the organism, it also evokes a lot of emotions - for the child, parents, and healthy siblings. Overcoming cancer is only the first step on the return to normality. European research (Ch. Eiser, 2004) and Polish research (M. Samardakiewicz) show that there is a need for bio- and psychosocial support for children following oncology treatment. The lessons learned in the pilot program of 2019 confirm this. In Poland there is no systemic support for children who have undergone oncological treatment, and this places them at risk of isolation and social exclusion. The project addresses the needs expressed by families of patients of child oncology wards. Following a period of treatment that may take as long as a few years, it is difficult to return to a normal way of functioning. The support provided for a family, and ensuring a child contact with people of their age group, means they have an equal chance of emotional and social development and to embrace a few life free of illness. We organize 40 therapeutic and educational meetings (to activate children in the social, educational, psychomotor, and civil sense), 20 group support and one-on-one therapy sessions, camps and two weekend excursions, and a self-help meeting for families with children with cancer. We will conduct a national public campaign with the slogan I''m fine, I just had cancer. Assistance will be provided for 24 former patients aged 7-13, their parents, a minimum of 25 people, and siblings, a minimum of 18 people, involved in the treatment process. A minimum of 50 people from families of patients undergoing treatment and other people connected with children with cancer will take part in the self-help meeting.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the problem of insufficient support for children with cancer and their families. About 70% of young cancer patients are cured, but the disease changes the daily life of the family and the child, cutting off social contacts and depriving them of a carefree childhood. Prolonged uncertainty and anxiety often block the way back to everyday life as it was before the diagnosis. In addition, traumatic experiences obscure parents'' true picture of the child, his or her abilities and needs. There is clearly a need for comprehensive support for children after oncological treatment - in their emotional and social development - as well as support for the whole system, i.e. their families.
The project prepared a number of different forms of support for children after oncological treatment and for their families. Forty-two therapeutic and educational meetings for families and 26 group and individual therapeutic meetings were organised. Participants also took part in three integration and respite trips. A large self-help meeting was organised for dozens of families affected by a child''s oncological illness, where participants shared their experiences. The grantee conducted a nationwide awareness campaign on the difficulties faced by children and their families after cancer treatment. A guide for children with cancer and their families was also produced.
Twenty-four ex-patients, aged 7-13, and their families involved in the oncology treatment process benefited from the support. These individuals increased their self-esteem and sense of security, developed skills to manage strong emotions and improved their communication skills. Undoubtedly, the integrative nature of many of the activities is also important. Parents were also supported in the process of their children becoming more independent and open to different activities.