The emerging cancer support system in traditional and religious values: a qualitative study of the cancer community in west Sumatera, Indonesia

Introduction: Comprehensive cancer care was recently developing in west Sumatra province. Accordingly, there was
a need to establish a support system for cancer patients while considering traditional and religious values rooted in the
community. Objective: To explore the cancer support system and its values in west Sumatra. Methods: In-depth
interview with peer group (N=16), Focus group discussion with patients, caregiver, survivor group, Indonesian cancer
organization and professional (N = 18) and observations patients interaction in Andalas University Hospital. Results:
West Sumatera cancer support consist of several components, which is: health worker for guiding patient during
treatment, patient's extended family as decision-maker, financial support, and escort during treatment, friend and
colleague for emotional dan spiritual support, survivor groups as emotional support and counter hoax, Indonesian cancer
organization to increase awareness dan advocate policy. Each component with different role in order to support cancer
patients. Communication and coordination of the support system component were just started and becoming more
intense. Traditional and Islamic religious values deeply influence the support system. Conclusion: A cancer support
system was emerging in West Sumatera province. The support system involving components around patients, and begin
to synergize and accommodate traditional and religious value.
Keywords: "Cancer support system”" West Sumatera"," Traditional value", "Religious value"