Every person with cancer has a unique story. Perhaps one patient knew there was a problem but did not predict the extent of the illness before their diagnosis. Another patient’s diagnosis may have come seemingly out-of-the-blue. Despite their differences, each patient diagnosed with cancer is unexpectedly propelled into an alternate reality that they did not ask for and may not know how to navigate. Patients’ relatively normal lives quickly become filled with doctor’s appointments, difficult conversations with family and friends, medical jargon, and complicated treatments. Even when the patient’s cancer is in remission or cured, they may still live with worry, frequent follow-up appointments, and life-long side effects of their treatment.
On World Cancer Day, we recognise each patient’s unique story and strive to make cancer care more patient centric [1]. We believe it is important to help those with cancer retain their autonomy, provide support beyond the hospital or doctor’s office, and recognise that a cancer diagnosis integrates into every facet of a person’s life. Implementing these solutions can make patients feel more seen and heard, preparing them for their fight against cancer.
Patients are often met with an overload of information when walking into an oncology clinic. Whether it be treatment schedules, potential side effects, or diagnostic testing, patients can feel like they are on the cancer conveyor belt. As they attempt to navigate their options, patients may feel as if the decision is not theirs to make. Although it is important for physicians and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to present information on potential treatments, this should be done in a comprehensive and unbiased manner. For example, while a new drug or therapy may have positive effects, a patient may want to proceed with a more tried-and-true treatment. In contrast, despite the availability of therapies that have been trusted for decades, patients may want to explore newer options or even participate in a clinical trial. It is the role of the HCPs to provide all options and possibilities to the patient to help them make an informed decision [2]. Giving patients autonomy over their own care empowers patients to make the best healthcare decision for them.
Providing support for patients does not end at the door of the doctor’s office. The burden patients feel and endure can extend beyond areas directly related to their physical symptoms or treatment into every aspect of their lives, including economic, psychosocial, and emotional impacts. Arming patients with tools and information to alleviate these burdens is essential. For example, patient support groups can be a way to connect with other patients fighting cancer to build friendships and address the emotional and psychosocial aspects of living with cancer. Financial assistance specifically targeted for patients with cancer can also be helpful as patients navigate different insurance requirements for their treatments. Lastly, informational hotlines and online resources for patients with cancer can provide patients with access to answers regarding their cancer and treatment at any time of day.
While patients with cancer are the main priority of the care team, it is important to recognise that the number of people affected by a cancer diagnosis goes far beyond just the patient. Immediate family members, extended family, neighbours, friends, schoolmates, and co-workers can all be affected by a person’s diagnosis of cancer.
Children are one group in particular that may require additional support when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. When a parent, grandparent, or loved one of a child is diagnosed with cancer, children can be very confused. Conversations with children about cancer diagnoses can be difficult given the complexity of the disease and that it is largely “invisible.” Children may be confused about the illness because on the outside, their loved one doesn’t seem to have the characteristics of an illness. Books like “Cal Clobbers Cancer” can be invaluable resources when navigating a cancer diagnosis with young children. By explaining cancer in a light-hearted way, children may ask more questions, understand the internal battle more easily, and walk away a little less scared.
There is no such thing as an easy cancer diagnosis. Even with the best prognosis, patients and their loved ones endure worry, the burden of various treatments, and life-long health impacts. Despite the growing challenges patients with cancer face, there are many ways to ensure a supporting, patient-centric environment is provided. Empowering patients to make decisions about their care, providing support to address the wider impacts of their disease, and considering the impact on patients’ loved ones are starting points to improve holistic care for cancer patients as they undertake the fight of their lives.
References
- World Cancer Day. What is people-centred care. Available at: https://www.worldcancerday.org/the-campaign/what-people-centred-care. Accessed January 2025
- World Health Organization (WHO)- Integrated people-centred care. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/integrated-people-centered-care#tab=tab_3. Accessed January 2025
Author
Danielle Frodyma, PhD
Senior Medical Writer