A cancer diagnosis can flip a person’s life upside down. Individuals living with cancer
experience a tiring and unique journey that can require special support to fight their condition.
There are many ways to treat cancer such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. All of these
treatments aim to eliminate the presence of cancer in the body and improve any uncomfortable
physical symptoms.
In addition to lifesaving medical treatment, many patients may seek emotional support to help
them through their fight against cancer. Popular choices for this include counseling, support
groups, online forums, and more.
Many people do not realize that emotional support animals have many physical, emotional, and
mental benefits for individuals fighting cancer.
The Benefits of Emotional Support Animals for Patients Fighting
Cancer
Oftentimes, cancer patients feel alone in their journey. They may not have anyone to relate to or
connect with. Animals are incredibly empathetic creatures that cancer patients can lean on
when they need it most, creating a sense of companionship.
Some patients may be unable to leave the house due to their condition and may not be as
active as they were before their diagnosis. Emotional support animals can promote healthy
habits and eliminate feelings of boredom, providing the patient with a sense of normalcy and
activity.
Cancer treatment can be stressful and can cause patients to feel anxious or depressed.
Emotional support animals have been proven to ease these feelings of stress, depression, and
anxiety.
Emotional support animals can also provide encouragement for cancer patients to keep fighting
– no matter how hard it may be. Patients with support animals can feel inspired and needed,
giving them the psychological support needed to continue with treatment to defeat cancer.
No one deserves to navigate a cancer diagnosis alone. During a journey with many highs and
lows, finding an emotional support animal to fit the needs of a cancer patient can give them the
support they need to keep on fighting.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) can also help improve the physical health of cancer patients. Interacting with animals has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and alleviate pain, which can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing rigorous treatments. The presence of an ESA can create a calming environment, allowing patients to relax and focus on their recovery. This holistic approach to health, combining medical treatments with the therapeutic presence of animals, can lead to better overall outcomes for cancer patients.
Moreover, emotional support animals can play a crucial role in enhancing the social well-being of cancer patients. These animals can help break the isolation often experienced by individuals battling cancer. Whether it’s a dog that enjoys visits to the park or a cat that loves snuggling, the companionship of an ESA can encourage patients to engage in social activities and interact with others, reducing feelings of loneliness. By fostering these connections, emotional support animals help create a supportive community around the patient, which is vital for emotional resilience and mental health during such a challenging time.
