Cancer and Social Distancing: The Dual Impacts of Cancer and Separation
Cancer patients tend to socially isolate for reasons such as reluctance to communicate with others, body image concerns, and being over protected by their loved ones. Social support theory emphasises the impactful role social relationships have on mental and physical health, with the literature indicating social connections are an enhancer of quality of life for cancer patients. Despite this, cancer patients continue to isolate themselves regardless of the harmful effects it can have on the immune system, autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine axis, and psychological wellbeing. Cancer patients should be educated of the adverse effects social isolation has to encourage them to maintain and foster social connections, as socialisations positive correlations suggest physical and psychological wellbeing will enhance during and post cancer treatment.
