Counsellor advises doctors to tell patients first before involving family in cancer diagnosis
By Jennifer Pokua Somuah
A counsellor, Priscilla Esenam Kortsu, has urged doctors to break the news of a cancer diagnosis to patients alone, allowing them time to process it before involving family members.
Speaking on Zed Wellness Link on Zed 101.9 FM, Ms Kortsu stated that while it is natural to lean on family during a cancer diagnosis, the crucial initial acceptance and adjustment to a new reality belongs to the individual.
“You need the support of a family member, but the patient must accept it first. It takes time to process the news, so allow the person time to adjust to their new reality. Most importantly, this is the time I would advise bringing in a counsellor to speak to the person,” she said.
Ms Kortsu recommended that during the critical adjustment period, a professional counsellor be brought in immediately.
She suggested a fundamental shift in how doctors deliver such news, highlighting that a counsellor should speak with and assess the patient before the diagnosis is even shared, helping to instil hope from the outset.
The counsellor called for a major push in public awareness by broadening education on breast cancer and most importantly, showing people that life not only continues after treatment but can be lived fully.
She also emphasised that the narrative needs to shift from fear to hope and survivorship.
