WorldCancerDay - Hope is stronger than cancer!

Patients Voices Needed For The Best Decision

Every year, World Cancer Day reminds us that hope against cancer is stronger than fear. Through awareness, early detection, and the right support, millions of lives can be saved.

Cancer has become one of the most dreaded diseases of the twentieth century, due to its hidden onset and potentially fatal outcome. Nonetheless, in recent decades, major advances in early identification and more targeted and efficient tumor treatment have been made.

The increasing variety and complexity of cancer treatment options may provide choices: Individual factors influence the selection of the best suited treatment approach.

It is crucial to consider the patient’s preferences while making treatment decisions, as their commitment to the cancer therapy improves their prognosis.

Listen to the Person Behind the Patient

Patient-centered care considers a patient’s feelings, attitudes, and choices for their own treatment. It highlights the need of treating patients as partners, listening their perspectives, and including them in shared decision-making. However, many people may struggle to understand and evaluate the information offered by their doctors, as well as weigh the advantages and dangers of several therapies to choose which is best.

In addition, people are more than merely patients.Person-centered care expands the focus beyond the patient to the individual as a whole person and considers all aspects of their life, not just their disease. It supports people’s individual experiences and wishes, including psychological, social, and spiritual needs, and it understands that patients’ preferences may not be those that their doctor prefers.

A pregnant mother may choose her baby’s future life over her own, postponing cancer treatment after giving birth. Some patients may choose a more aggressive cancer treatment over an acceptable active monitoring of a slow growing symptomless tumor because they cannot cope with their ongoing worry. Persons with advanced cancer may choose not to undergo suggested second-line chemotherapy, which has a low likelihood of extending survival time, but requires the patient to endure side effects or stay in the hospital rather than with family.

Patients’ decisions are as unique as the individuals who make them. Patients’ decisions are as unique as the individuals who make them. People-centered care recognizes that everyone is unique and prioritizes each need, listens to their concerns with compassion and understanding, supports their autonomy, and allows them to actively participate in decision-making.

Independent Second Opinion Oncology - An Honest Answer to Your Questions

In oncology, empowering people with all the information they need to make an informed decision may pose a challenge. This is especially true for late cancer stages. For some tumor types, even in the presence of metastases, emerging new treatments such as immunotherapy provide hope: for more time with loved ones or, in some instances, for long-term remission. On the other hand, in advanced stages of some cancers, appropriate palliative care may be preferred by some patients. Instead of spending the remaining time in – sometimes foreign – hospitals, dealing with the painful side effects of aggressive treatments, a therapy concentrating on symptom management and a decent quality of life surrounded by family may be a valid option. Giving patients an understanding of their prognosis and options necessitates an honest response to their questions.

TheKnowHow Empowers Your Voice

TheKnowHow Independent Second Opinion is here to empower patients with the knowledge they need. Our unbiased oncology specialists provide a fresh perspective on treatment choices, fully explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each available option.

TheKnowHow report does not just add another opinion, add another choice, and makes decisions even harder. We help you understand your condition and your options, and we guide you through the decision-making process.

Share this blog to give patients a voice in cancer treatment.

Your Health Matters!

A contribution by Dr. Gabriele Stumm,

@TheKnowHow