Gwanak-gu Plans Non-Face-to-Face Psychological Support Program for Cancer Patients Amid COVID-19 Situation

Making Air Fresheners and Planting Pots Easily by Watching YouTube... Material Kits Delivered to Your Home

Planting materials delivered to your home

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) is operating a “Non-face-to-face Cancer Patient Healing Program” to provide psychological support for cancer patients, even amid the suspension of group programs to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Recently, South Korea has seen about 220,000 new cancer patients annually due to rapid aging and environmental changes, and the 5-year relative survival rate of cancer continues to increase, highlighting the need for cancer patient management to improve their quality of life.

Accordingly, the district has been conducting an annual cancer patient healing program to provide information on cancer management and encourage the will to fight the disease, receiving much interest and positive responses.

This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, a non-face-to-face program was planned, allowing cancer patients to follow healing programs at home by watching videos.

The prepared programs include making plaster air fresheners and planting flowerpots. Six hopeful participants were selected from among cancer patient medical expense support recipients, and two sets of materials were delivered to each household.

The program is conducted by watching pre-recorded videos by instructors on YouTube and following along. If participants have questions or difficulties during the creation process, instructors provide consultation via phone.

The videos can be viewed from June 29 to July 5, and after the first session ends, a satisfaction survey will be conducted and any shortcomings addressed, with plans to expand the number of participants for a second program.

Meanwhile, a 2019 satisfaction survey of the cancer patient healing program showed that among 14 attendees, 72% responded that it helped with health management and disease treatment, 86% said it aided emotional comfort and recovery, and 79% reported it improved self-esteem and increased the will to continue treatment.

Mayor Park Junhee said, “I hope the cancer patient healing program helps reduce anxiety and restore confidence during the treatment period,” adding, “We will continue to implement diverse and beneficial healing programs to do our best to alleviate the physical and mental suffering of cancer patients.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.