The balance of spiritual and nutritional needs improves the well-being of cancer patients during chemotherapy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence and incidence of breast cancer in Indonesia has remained a disheartening issue, as it has turned out to be a threat to the quality of life for Indonesian women. Also, the fact that the patients and their families often lose interest in recognizing the issues of breast cancer, both benign and malignant has posed a threat. Besides, the problem faced by breast cancer patients in determining which kind of diagnosis or best therapy is still overlooked by the patients as well as their family members. This includes their indifference toward the patients’ nutrition during chemotherapy, which must be taken into consideration. AIM: The aim of this research is to observe the needs of general breast cancer patients during their chemotherapy and post-therapy period. METHODS: This research contains the result of qualitative data which was collected by a case study on 17 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Al-Ihsan Hospital, Bandung District, and Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung City. These patients have experienced an in-depth interview either on their own, or accompanied by a family member. RESULTS: The result of this qualitative research is obtained through content analysis observation, showing a shallow understanding of therapy, both generally and specifically, regarding the importance of increasing spiritual support besides nutrition and the escalation of its amount on the patient and their families. In reality, a good diet is one of the factors that help the patient’s immune system throughout chemotherapy. Furthermore, the research also revealed that the cancer survivors claim to have maintained a spiritual aspect and good diet before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is necessary to create awareness of the spiritual and nutritional needs of breast cancer patients, in the preparatory, momentary, and preempting stages of chemotherapy.