How Does Cancer Affect Families
Bronte’ Ward
Research Paper
English 111, AC1
April 9, 2012
Psychological Effects on Families and Caregivers of Cancer Patients Have you ever known of someone who has had cancer? Almost every one of us could answer yes to that question without hesitation. According to data from the American Cancer society, approximately one of every three women, and one of every two men will develop some type of cancer in their lifetimes. That is an enormous amount of the population. Now think about how many people these individuals are close to, and how many people they interact with on a daily basis. Cancer does not only affect the patient, but also their families, friends, and acquaintances. Cancer causes emotional strain, uncertainty, and practical and financial problems. When one takes all of this into consideration, they realize what a huge number of people cancer truly affects. It is important that we understand not only what it feels like for those who have cancer, but also what kind of influence it has on their loved ones. My name is Bronte’ Ward. I am seventeen years old, and a senior in high school. I know what it feels like to have a family that has been affected by cancer. My Great Granddaddy Smothers, Uncle Kalvin, and Aunt Nelva have …show more content…
We all handle it in different ways. A lot of it depends on age and how close you are personally to the one with the illness, but in all cases it affects you in a way emotionally that you cannot shake. It is hard to sit by and watch someone that you know and love suffer. There is nothing you can do when cancer takes its toll except try to follow the doctors’ orders and make your loved one feel as comfortable as possible. I watched my mom and family become constantly on edge because they never knew when their last day with Granny would be. They tried to do and say all of the right things because they had no clue how much longer they
Research Paper
English 111, AC1
April 9, 2012
Psychological Effects on Families and Caregivers of Cancer Patients Have you ever known of someone who has had cancer? Almost every one of us could answer yes to that question without hesitation. According to data from the American Cancer society, approximately one of every three women, and one of every two men will develop some type of cancer in their lifetimes. That is an enormous amount of the population. Now think about how many people these individuals are close to, and how many people they interact with on a daily basis. Cancer does not only affect the patient, but also their families, friends, and acquaintances. Cancer causes emotional strain, uncertainty, and practical and financial problems. When one takes all of this into consideration, they realize what a huge number of people cancer truly affects. It is important that we understand not only what it feels like for those who have cancer, but also what kind of influence it has on their loved ones. My name is Bronte’ Ward. I am seventeen years old, and a senior in high school. I know what it feels like to have a family that has been affected by cancer. My Great Granddaddy Smothers, Uncle Kalvin, and Aunt Nelva have …show more content…
We all handle it in different ways. A lot of it depends on age and how close you are personally to the one with the illness, but in all cases it affects you in a way emotionally that you cannot shake. It is hard to sit by and watch someone that you know and love suffer. There is nothing you can do when cancer takes its toll except try to follow the doctors’ orders and make your loved one feel as comfortable as possible. I watched my mom and family become constantly on edge because they never knew when their last day with Granny would be. They tried to do and say all of the right things because they had no clue how much longer they