Over 1,000 people avail of Irish Cancer Society Counselling Service in support centres all across Ireland
The Irish Cancer Society’s Counselling Service was accessed by over 1,000 people last year, according to a new report published by the Society regarding its Community Counselling Services in 2013. A total of 5,348 counselling sessions were required by cancer patients and their families nationwide last year, an increase of 15 per cent on 2012. There was also a 40 per cent rise in the number of counselling sessions taken up by those affected by cancer compared to the previous year.
The report focuses on the Irish Cancer Society’s affiliation programme which granted funds to 21 affiliated community based cancer support services across the country to provide professional counselling in 2013. In total, the Society gave €289,000.00 in grants to affiliated support centres last year. Cancer patients and their families as well as those bereaved by cancer used the service with service figures highlighting the need for emotional support after a cancer diagnosis.
In fact, forty per cent of clients attended counselling within one year of hearing they had cancer and another 23 per cent came within two years of a diagnosis. Fifty nine per cent of clients in 2013 were people who had been diagnosed with cancer themselves and twenty six were family members of a person who had been diagnosed, indicating the wider effect of a cancer diagnosis. In 2013, 13 per cent of those attending for counselling identified themselves as a partner or spouse of a person with cancer.
The issues which cancer patients and their families presented with as a result of their diagnosis varied highlighting the number of emotional issues which arise following an illness. The majority of clients (40 per cent) presented with anxiety as a result of cancer with a further 10 per cent looking for support with adjusting to their life after diagnosis. A number of clients (14 per cent) were bereaved due to cancer and were seeking support in that regard. Of those attending the Irish Cancer Society Counselling Service, 71 per cent had never attended counselling previously until they experienced cancer in their lives.
Dorothy Thomas, Support Services Co-Ordinator at the Irish Cancer Society said: “The Irish Cancer Society is with cancer patients at every step of their cancer journey. The emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on the patient and their family. The non-physical side effects of the illness are something that can often be overlooked but it is important that support is available whether it is needed immediately following a diagnosis or in the months or years after.
This counselling services is delivered locally in communities by affiliated cancer support centres so that clients can access the service easily. Cancer patients may have a range of emotions which they require support with following diagnosis; they may need help in learning coping skills or adjusting to the changes in their life. This service is available to those affected by cancer free of charge and we know it is making a difference in the lives of those living with cancer.”
Cancer patients and their relatives can find their nearest affiliate support centre providing this service by logging on to www.cancer.ie or call the Irish Cancer Society Freefone Helpline on 1800 200 700.
To support the Irish Cancer Society in the provision of practical and emotional support for cancer patients, please contact the Fundraising Team on Callsave 1850 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie to make a donation.
