Patients with cancer turn to pet therapy

A cancer patient hugs and plays with a Labrador Retriever at Maha Vajiralongkorn Thanyaburi Hospital as the friendly dog, part of a dog therapy programme, can help reduce his emotional stress. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)

After going through surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, cancer patients not only suffer from the symptoms of cancer but the side effects of the treatments; the physical pain expands into the mental sphere, causing anxiety, stress, discouragement and desperation, said Dr Wirawut Imsamran, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services.

The misery among cancer patients, especially in advanced cases, has led to efforts to subdue the pain using the sentiments of pleasure and relaxation, commonly derived from things they enjoy.