Psychosocial Challenges and Self‑Medication Practices among Cancer Patients

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most serious public health problems affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Along with physical suffering, cancer patients experience significant psychosocial stress, financial burden, social isolation, and behavioral changes. One of the major concerns observed among patients undergoing long‑term treatment is the growing practice of self‑medication. The present empirical study was conducted at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna, Bihar, to examine psychosocial challenges and self‑medication practices among cancer patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The study used a descriptive and analytical research design. Data were collected from 120 cancer patients through a structured interview schedule and questionnaire method. Findings revealed that depression, anxiety, fear of death, financial insecurity, social stigma, and treatment stress were common among respondents. A large number of patients also reported self‑medication practices for pain relief, fever, weakness, digestive problems, and sleeping difficulties. Self‑medication was found to be more common among economically weaker and less educated patients. The study highlights the urgent need for psychosocial counseling, public awareness, affordable healthcare services, and strict monitoring of irrational medicine use among cancer patients.