Former cancer patients offer no-cost emotional support to current cancer patients and their loved ones
In an innovative approach to cancer care, Kazakhstan introduces the concept of equal consulting in oncology. Here's all you need to know about these extraordinary volunteers and how they can aid people navigating their cancer journey.
Who are Equal Consultants?
Equal consultants are survivors who have braved the cancer battle themselves, received specialized training, and are ready to share their hard-earned insights with others. They provide emotional support, practical guidance, and a unique perspective that no medical professional can match. According to Polina Yurchenko, chairperson of the public fund Onco Senim Fund and an equal consultant in oncology, an equal consultant is not a doctor, psychologist, or social worker, but rather a treasure trove of untapped wisdom.
What do Equal Consultants Offer?
Equal consultants offer emotional support, share life experiences, and help filter reliable information. Their guidance can be especially valuable during treatment stages when patients face countless questions. As Polina Yurchenko puts it, "there's no one who understands a cancer patient better than someone who has gone through treatment themselves."
Training and Certification
Equal consultants undergo rigorous training on special courses and receive certifications. In autumn 202x, the first cohort of 14 equal consultants in Kazakhstan completed their training. Most of them are cancer survivors who are currently in remission, while a few caregivers of cancer patients were also part of the training.
Availability and Contact
Equal consultant consultations are available for free, and you can reach out via phone or Zoom, making assistance accessible from anywhere in Kazakhstan. To schedule a consultation, you can write on WhatsApp at +7 778 906 25 70 or send a message to the Onco Senim Fund's Instagram page.
While the concept of equal consulting in oncology is not officially recognized in all hospitals or on a national platform, supporting organizations like the Kazakhstan Cancer Society (likely to offer resources, support groups, and opportunities for experience-sharing among patients and their loved ones) and major oncology centers (such as the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology, providing counseling and psychological support services) can be valuable resources. Additionally, hospital-based support, peer support groups (often facilitated by cancer centers and NGOs), international resources, and consultations with oncologists and multidisciplinary teams may also prove beneficial.
- As survivors who have braved the cancer battle, received specialized training, and share their hard-earned insights, Equal Consultants in Kazakhstan offer emotional support, share life experiences, and help filter reliable information for patients navigating their cancer journey.
- Contrary to medical professionals, Equal Consultants serve as a treasure trove of untapped wisdom, providing a unique perspective that no one else can match.
- Equal consultants undergo rigorous training on special courses, receive certifications, and are available for free consultations via phone or Zoom, making assistance accessible from anywhere in Kazakhstan.
