Caring for the Whole PatientA diagnosis of cancer can bring many types of challenges to a person. Often, the physical effects of the disease and treatment are focused on the most in the effort to cure the cancer. However, it is also important for the health-care team to address psychosocial effects, which are the emotional and social issues that people with cancer often encounter and can greatly affect patients' well-being. According to a 2007 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on this topic, psychosocial problems can include:
The IOM report notes that such psychosocial obstacles can interfere with a person's healthcare and diminish his or her health and functioning. However, the impact of emotional and social issues can be significantly reduced through effective communication between the patient and the doctor. Patients and caregivers can take an active role in addressing these challenges by asking questions and talking with the doctor about both physical symptoms and psychosocial concerns, such as coping with the diagnosis, paying for medical bills, or getting to appointments. There are many support services available for people with cancer, and being linked up with the appropriate services can provide an enormous benefit to the patient's overall care. Patient information and support Access to current information about a specific cancer type or the related treatment options help patients make more informed decisions about their health care. Patients also should know the short and long term side effects of their treatment in order to anticipate how their needs may change in the future. Cancer.Net's Guides to Cancer Types provide accurate and updated information on more than 123 types of cancer and cancer-related syndromes, including detailed sections on diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, side effects, after treatment, and questions to ask the doctor. Also, Cancer.Net's Patient Information Resources is an alphabetical list, sorted by cancer type, of national organizations that offer a wide range of support services to people with cancer and their families. Emotional support Many people facing a cancer diagnosis and the physical effects of treatment experience emotional difficulties, including anxiety and depression. And, patients with untreated depression or anxiety may be less likely to take their cancer medication and maintain their health and are more likely to withdraw from family or other social support. There are services available to help patients maintain their emotional well-being and get help for depression or anxiety, such as peer support groups, individual or group counseling, and medication. Cancer.Net's Depression and Anxiety section provides more information on how depression and anxiety can be treated. Access to transportation Getting to appointments and picking up prescriptions can be difficult for people who don't have access to transportation. Even people who do have transportation may find that providing it on their own is difficult if they are feeling ill. Community resources may be available to help; some hospitals or local agencies have low-cost or volunteer transportation programs, and some non-profit cancer organizations provide funds for taxi costs. CancerCare provides information on finding help for transportation. Financial assistance and advice Lack of adequate health insurance can prevent many patients from seeking treatment, taking necessary medications, or attending regular appointments. People with a limited income can also have difficulty affording basic necessities in addition to medical care. Even patients with health insurance may find that the costs associated with cancer treatment are more than expected. Financial assistance and advice about paying for health care, medications, and other necessities during cancer treatment may be available through different organizations or government services. Learn more about managing the cost of cancer care, including information on understanding health insurance, a list of national, local, and governmental sources of financial assistance. Managing health care information During cancer treatment, there is often a lot of information for patients to remember, keep track of, and act on. For instance, patients need to know when and how to take medication, when to go to appointments, and what to expect after treatment. To manage this flow of information, it is recommended that patients keep a written record of all procedures, treatments, and medications received. Information and education about cancer treatment and recovery is available that can help patients manage their health care. The Managing Your Care section of Cancer.Net provides information on organizing your cancer care, including forms to keep track of treatments and helpful hints for scheduling and attending appointments. And, ASCO Treatment Summaries are printable forms that your doctor can complete to help you keep track of what treatment is planned, what treatment was received, and what follow-up care is necessary. Lifestyle changes For some people, part of their cancer treatment plan includes significant changes in lifestyle and habits, physical activity levels, or diet to help relieve side effects or reduce chances of cancer recurrence (the cancer returning after treatment). For people who smoke, quitting smoking is often an essential part of recovery. These changes are can be difficult to make, and it is important that patients receive the support and resources they need. To help, Cancer.Net's article on Healthy Living After Cancer and the Prevention section provide information on diet and nutrition, physical activity, weight control, and quitting smoking. Managing life disruptions Many patients may have a significant change in work schedules, and some people must stop work entirely during cancer treatment. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act provide legal protection for disruptions in work due to cancer treatment. For more information, read Cancer.Net's section on Cancer and the Workplace. School can also be disrupted; information on managing school re-entry can be found at Cancer and School. And, patients may also find that they have trouble performing daily activities. Home care services are often available for people who need greater assistance in the home, either with their medical needs or activities of daily life. CancerCare provides information on finding home care services. Institute of Medicine Report As mentioned above, in 2007, the IOM issued the report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs. This report provides 10 recommendations that can help doctors identify emotional and social needs, refer patients to necessary services, support patients in managing their illness, coordinate psychosocial and medical care, and follow-up on the effectiveness of these interventions. For more information on how the IOM recommendations affect patients, read the ASCO Expert Corner: Addressing the Emotional and Social Needs of People With Cancer. More Information Telephone and E-mail Cancer Helplines How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help Managing the Cost of Cancer Care Additional Information Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) National Cancer Institute: Support and Resources American Cancer Society: Find Local Resources Last Updated: May 18, 2009 |