Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 26: Young cancer patients face a unique set of challenges that extend far beyond medical treatment. Unlike older individuals who may have completed major life milestones, younger patients are often in the middle of building their careers, raising families, or securing financial stability. A cancer diagnosis disrupts these plans, leaving them to wrestle with fears of survival, recurrence, and the ability to fulfill their personal and professional roles. The emotional burden is compounded by the responsibilities they carry, forcing them to confront not just their mortality but also the impact of their illness on those who depend on them.
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading Surgical Oncologist in India, has witnessed these struggles firsthand. He emphasizes that cancer treatment should not be reduced to just surgery and medication—it must also address the psychological weight patients carry. “Many young patients are so focused on survival that they suppress their fears, trying to be strong for their families or colleagues. But the reality is that cancer changes everything—not just their health, but their sense of stability, their confidence, and the way they see their future. If we don’t acknowledge and address this, we are failing them in their recovery,” says Dr. Nayak. His approach to oncology extends beyond surgery, focusing on comprehensive care that considers a patient’s mental and emotional well-being alongside their physical treatment.
The experience of a 34-year-old mother undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer highlights this struggle. While dealing with the physical toll of chemotherapy, her primary concern is her four-year-old child. Every treatment session brings the same question—what will happen if she is not there? Cancer forces her to consider scenarios she never imagined, adding emotional distress to an already exhausting battle. “For parents, the fear isn’t just about their own survival. It’s about whether their child will grow up without them. That fear is relentless, and it weighs on them every single day,” says Dr. Nayak. “We see it in every conversation, every worried glance during treatment. And it’s not something that just disappears when the treatment is over—it lingers, shaping how they approach their recovery and their future.”
The pressure extends beyond family responsibilities. A 40-year-old professional who recently underwent oral cancer surgery is now struggling with the psychological fallout of his recovery. The physical changes from the procedure, including scarring and facial asymmetry, have made him self-conscious about his appearance, especially in a corporate environment where confidence and communication are key. He worries about how colleagues and clients perceive him, questioning whether his illness will affect his professional future. At the same time, the financial burden of treatment and the fear of recurrence weigh heavily on his mind. “Cancer doesn’t just take a toll on the body—it can upend a person’s entire identity,” explains Dr. Nayak.
Dr. Nayak stresses that psychological support must be integrated into cancer care. While surgical advancements have improved survival rates and recovery times, mental health remains an overlooked aspect of treatment. “We need structured psychological support, whether through counselling, support groups, or long-term follow-up care. If we don’t help patients process what they’ve been through, we are only treating half the problem”, he says. He also advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that includes therapy, peer support, and workplace reintegration programs to address the hidden struggles of young cancer patients.
The psychological toll of cancer extends beyond the patients themselves. Family members are often thrust into caregiving roles without preparation, dealing with financial stress, emotional exhaustion, and the fear of losing a loved one. The spouse of the 34-year-old mother has had to balance work, caregiving, and parenting, all while managing his own anxieties about the future. The 40-year-old professional’s family is similarly affected, as financial uncertainty and the fear of recurrence create ongoing stress. “Cancer doesn’t just impact one person—it reshapes entire families,” says Dr. Nayak. “Spouses suddenly become full-time caregivers, children sense the stress in the household, and financial worries pile up. We have to stop thinking of cancer as an individual battle and start treating it as a family-wide challenge that needs structured support.”
To address these challenges, Dr. Nayak emphasizes the importance of holistic cancer care. Therapy, career counselling, and flexible work policies for recovering patients can help them regain confidence and stability. For parents undergoing treatment, support structures that assist with childcare and household responsibilities can alleviate some of the emotional strain. Most importantly, open conversations about the psychological effects of cancer must become a standard part of treatment rather than an afterthought. “We talk about survival rates, surgical techniques, and treatment success—but how often do we talk about what happens to a patient mentally and emotionally once they go home? That conversation is long overdue,” says Dr. Nayak. “Patients should not have to carry these burdens alone, and as doctors, we have a responsibility to make sure they don’t. We have made incredible strides in treating cancer, but we still have work to do in how we support patients beyond their surgeries and chemotherapy,” says Dr. Nayak. “Survival is not enough. If we want to help our patients truly, we need to make sure they have the tools to rebuild their lives after cancer.”
About Dr. Sandeep Nayak
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of India’s leading surgical oncologists, and the Founder and Chief of Surgical Oncology at MACS Clinic, Bangalore, is globally recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive cancer surgery.
Dedicated to providing ethical, evidence-based, and innovative treatment options, Dr. Nayak ensures the highest standard of dependable care. His unwavering passion for advancing cancer treatment continually improves patient outcomes and sets new benchmarks in oncology.
For further details, Contact Dr. Sandeep Nayak –
MACS Clinic,
42nd Cross Rd,
8th Block, Jayanagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560 070
Email: [email protected]
