The emerging cancer support system in traditional and religious values: a qualitative study of the cancer community in west Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Comprehensive cancer care was recently developing in west Sumatra province. Accordingly, there was a need to establish a support system for cancer patients while considering traditional and religious values rooted in the community. Objective: To explore the cancer support system and its values in west Sumatra. Methods: In-depth interview with peer group (N=16),  Focus group discussion with patients, caregiver, survivor group, Indonesian cancer organization and professional (N = 18) and observations patients interaction in Andalas University Hospital. Results: West Sumatera cancer support consist of several components, which is: health worker for guiding patient during treatment, patient's extended family as decision-maker, financial support, and escort during treatment,  friend and colleague for emotional dan spiritual support, survivor groups as emotional support and counter hoax, Indonesian cancer organization to increase awareness dan advocate policy. Each component with different role in order to support cancer patients. Communication and coordination of the support system component were just started and becoming more intense. Traditional and Islamic religious values deeply influence the support system. Conclusion: A cancer support system was emerging in West Sumatera province. The support system involving components around patients, and begin to synergize and accommodate traditional and religious value.