Cancer Survivor Becomes Counselor: Helping Patients Navigate Emotional Challenges
Taiwan’s cancer support network expanded this week with the launch of enhanced psychological counseling services, addressing a critical need for mental health support among patients and their families. The Taiwan Cancer Foundation announced the upgrades to its “Sunny Island Psychological Counseling Center” on February 21, 2026, building on thirteen years of experience in providing psychological care.
Recent data indicates a significant prevalence of emotional distress among cancer patients. According to the Sunny Island Psychological Counseling Center, approximately 50 to 70 percent of individuals diagnosed with cancer experience depressive symptoms. Zhang Wei-hong, director of the Sunny Island Psychological Counseling Center, noted that even as not all patients meet the diagnostic criteria for clinical depression, early intervention is crucial to prevent these feelings from escalating. “Our goal is to prevent these depressive emotions from worsening and developing into depression,” Zhang said, as reported by the Liberty Times on January 5, 2026.
The foundation’s expanded services include both in-person and, newly added this month, remote counseling options, accessible via a free helpline at 0809-010-580. This expansion comes as nearly half of cancer patients report experiencing emotional difficulties, prompting the foundation to offer up to six free counseling sessions annually, beginning this year.
The need for psychological support is not uniform across genders. Statistics reveal a rising trend in psychological counseling among male cancer patients, with usage increasing from 17 percent to 22 percent over the past three years. Men also tend to participate in a greater average number of counseling sessions compared to women. This shift suggests a growing recognition of mental health needs among male patients, who may face unique challenges in seeking support.
The foundation is promoting a “5+5 psychological and social prescription” model, aiming to build resilience within the cancer community. International medical research has demonstrated that enhancing the “psychosocial resilience” of cancer patients can improve their quality of life, extend survival times, and reduce mortality rates. The foundation has also proposed three policy recommendations to strengthen psychological support for cancer patients across Taiwan.
The initiative also draws on the experiences of individuals like Zhang Wei-hong, who transitioned from a career in finance to become a psychological counselor after his own cancer diagnosis. Zhang shares his journey from emotional collapse to recovery, offering a unique perspective to patients navigating similar challenges. His experience underscores the value of peer support and understanding in the cancer care continuum, as highlighted by the Epoch Times on February 21, 2026.