The president of the Association, Tomás Trenor, and the manager, Helena Alloza, presented the report at a press conference that reflects that cancer “has a strong emotional and social impact on patients and families”, that the coronavirus pandemic has made “more visible”, by promoting the negative effects of the disease and the social impact it entails.
In addition, the economic situation has “exacerbated” the social vulnerability of patients, who have had “more difficulties in meeting water, electricity or rent costs,” Trénor detailed.
In these two years, and with a “growing” emotional discomfort, therapeutic groups have increased by 72% and the entity has “reinvented itself through telematic channels to be close to people who needed it”. “It has been more important than ever to feel accompanied and supported in the face of cancer,” Alloza pointed out.
In 2021, telephone and video calls to people affected by the disease have increased by 81%, reaching the figure of 2,271.
In addition, according to data from the Observatory, in two years, the number of people with cancer at risk of social exclusion has grown in the Valencian Community: in 2019 there were 2,992 unemployed patients, self-employed or with a salary below the interprofessional minimum, a figure that has increased by 10%.
For this reason, they have tripled the emergency financial aid to meet the costs of rent, electricity, water and food; The entity’s budget for these cases has been multiplied by five in the past year to reach 59,000 euros and care has been increased by 18% to accommodate families and patients who need to travel to Valencia to receive treatment.
In the past year, social workers carried out 2,392 services, 30% more than in 2020 and 70% since 2019. “We have tripled the actions in two years because we have reinforced with more resources and because there is more demand for psychological care. The situation It has worsened with the passage of the pandemic and the emotional needs have increased”, clarified the president of the Association.
Prevention actions have been reactivated in educational centers for young people, sessions to stop smoking and the campaign to warn of the risks of sun exposure and skin check-ups. Also, the promotion of research, where the entity finances projects with an investment of just over one million euros.
SURVIVORS
The presentation of the report has had the participation of stories from cancer survivors such as Juanvi, a 29-year-old who suffered from lymphoma and who, as a result of the diagnosis, changed his life. Immersed in his TFM, he also had to stop working and not earn an income, which caused health and economic problems for him and his family. Thanks to the association he obtained an economic solution to pay his rent for six months and has resumed his studies, also to try to help patients.
Another case is that of Adela, who eight years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer, and three years ago the second cancer of the other breast. “I needed psychological treatment, I worked so that loneliness would not be disastrous for me. The social and mental aspect is the most important,” explained the 61-year-old woman, without financial problems but with the need for psychological and social help.
Against Cancer will display a total of 130 tables in its traditional annual collection next Thursday in Valencia, to continue promoting support against cancer. Socorro Maldonado, member of the Executive Council of the Association and president of the table, has stated that the fight against cancer cannot stop and research must continue to be promoted. For this reason, on Thursday València “will dress in green”.
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