Psychospołeczne konsekwencje doświadczania choroby onkologicznej na terenach wiejskich – wyzwanie dla badań i praktyki pracy socjalnej
Psychosocial consequences of experiencing oncological disease in rural areas – a challenge for social work research and practice

Summary/Abstract: Being a resident of non-urbanized areas may entail several consequences important for coping with cancer and for treatment and recovery. In Poland, there is a lack of in-depth analyses devoted to these issues. Research in this area is necessary to build a comprehensive support system that uses social work resources, eliminating inequalities related to the place of residence in the context of cancer. The article aims to discuss the potential of social work in counteracting the exclusion from psychosocial support of people with cancer living in rural areas. Analysis of available scientific data allowed us to indicate several factors related to living in rural areas, which may interact with the psychosocial consequences of having cancer. As a result of these interactions, special non-medical needs may arise among patients and their families. The manner and degree to which these unique needs are met may affect the mental health of patients during treatment and after its completion. The results of the empirical analyses presented in the text justify the urgent need to conduct empirical studies in Poland, defining the psychosocial needs of people 'with cancer' and 'after cancer' living in rural areas. Care for cancer patients and their mental health should extend throughout the entire trajectory of the disease, including the period after treatment, when individuals actively participate in family and professional roles. Convalescents and cancer patients in rural areas require preventive measures, with social work playing an important role in diagnosis and the design of appropriate support.

• Details
• Contents