A few decades ago, you might have had to ask around a bit to find someone who had personally dealt with cancer or had a close relative that had done so. However, cancer is, unfortunately, not a rare medical condition nowadays. It seems like virtually everyone’s life has been impacted by this potentially deadly disease in at least some way. While cancer research and treatment are continually evolving, coping mechanisms for cancer patients are also continuing to evolve.
If you have someone close to you that is currently fighting cancer, then they probably would do anything to make their battle go just a bit more smoothly. Dogs are increasingly being used to help cancer patients better cope with their treatments.
1. How Dogs Improve Cancer Patients’ Mental Health
As someone who has been or continues to go through cancer treatments, whether it includes chemotherapy, radiation, or something else, you probably experience a roller coaster of emotions, depending on how your condition is progressing or responding to medications. Some of the emotions that you may experience include depression, anxiety, and stress.
Depression often creeps up when patients spend an above-average amount of time alone or consider potential negative outcomes to their treatment. Anxiety may become an issue if a patient is concerned about how their medications may make them feel or what test results they may receive. Research has highlighted how the presence of therapy animals can significantly reduce patients’ anxiety and even motivate them to receive therapy. Your mood affects your outlook which can impact how well you respond to treatments you receive.
2. Dogs Increase Cancer Patients’ Mobility Levels and Reduce Fatigue
Many cancer patients often find themselves fatigued and unmotivated to exercise. A lack of movement isn’t ideal for anyone. Living a sedentary lifestyle leaves individuals prone to future mobility issues and increases their exposure to additional health concerns, such as circulatory issues.
Dogs need to be taken for regular walks. Having a dog with you when you’re undergoing cancer treatment can ensure that you continue to keep mobile, which can ensure you get in the cardio activity that you so desperately need.
Previously published studies have also shown that regular exercise reduces cancer patients’ fatigue by as much as 50%.
3. Dogs Can Minimize Cancer Patients’ Pain Levels
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing and countless others have shed light on anecdotal accounts of how therapy dogs’ visits to cancer patients haven’t only reduced stress and positively affected their mood, but pain levels as well. Researchers have cited an increase in endorphin levels, which is a natural pain-relieving hormone, in patients who have close contact with therapy dogs during their cancer treatment.
Dogs have long been used to help individuals struggling with literacy or coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, to improve their plight. Canine companions are now helping cancer patients more easily weather their treatment too. We’re hopeful that a therapy dog can make things a bit easier on you if you find yourself battling cancer.