Health care and family support of a lang cancer suffers

Introduction: Lung cancer is often a malignant disease and one of the leading causes of death. It hes been the most common malignant disease in male population for years and has also become more frequent in fe male population. Health care and emotional support to these patients is of considerable inportance. If one of the family members is diagnosed with this disease, the family often experience problems overcomeing and understanding their own reactions in that situation. The aim of this study was to investigate to which extend the patients are informed about their disease.the awareness of patients about their disease, as well as to examine how wich family members are willing to support a sick member of their family. Methods: The study included patients suffering from lung cancer who were admitted to the Oncology Department of the University Clinical Centre in Foca for chemotherapy. After the end of the treatment patients were discharged to home health care treatment. During the home visits, patients and familiy members were interviewed. The sample consisted of N = 18 patients, and N = 18 their family members who cared for the patient at home. Patients were interviewed by means of anonymous questionnaire, and the results are displayed graphically. Results: The results showed that the respondents were quite well informed about their disease, although it sometimes happened that they did not sufficiently understand well enough given information. Half of the respondents (50% of them) were not adequately informed about the side effects of chemotherapy. Two-thirds (78%) of the family members were willing to support a sick family member, and even up to 34% of them where reluctant to seek help from health professionals. Conclusion: It is believed that knowledge and information on the character and severity of the disease significantly contribute to easier acceptance of the diagnosis and encourage the patient to active participation in their own treatment. Since the health care of lung cancer sufferers is complex , nurses should be educated enough keeping pace with technological development (diagnostics, therapy, emotional support, health education, work integration and reintegration of the patient in the corresponding group and environment).