Quality of Life Issues in Cancer

Where Can You Find Supportive Care?

Fortunately, supportive care is available for cancer patients and their families from a multitude of resources. These include:

• Cancer Centers - the hospital or cancer center where you have chosen to receive your treatment is an excellent starting point in your search for supportive cancer care. Many major hospitals and comprehensive cancer centers provide access to a variety of resources for cancer patients including educational, psychological, and social services support.

• Your Cancer Physician - the primary cancer specialist who is in charge of your care and is responsible for your overall treatment is also an excellent resource of information and support. These cancer specialists are in the business of caring for cancer patients and usually have a wealth of knowledge about the physical, psychological, and social issues confronting patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Depending upon your specific type of cancer, a variety of cancer specialists may be involved in your treatment including an:

  • oncologist
  • hematologist
  • radiation oncologist
  • surgical oncologist

• Oncology Nurses - if your treatment plan includes chemotherapy, you will be assigned a nurse oncologist who will administer your drugs and monitor side-effects or other problems that may occur during your chemotherapy sessions. Nurse oncologists are highly trained professionals who are a wonderful source of information and can provide educational materials, emotional support, and practical tips for dealing with adverse side-effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, fatigue, and pain.

• Your Primary Care Physician - it is likely that a visit to your primary care physician led to the discovery and diagnosis of your cancer and that your primary care physician referred you to a cancer specialist for treatment. Your primary care physician will usually work closely with your cancer specialist in following your progress both during as well as after treatment has been completed. It is important to be open and frank with your primary care physician and talk to him/her about any physical or emotional problems that you may experience so that they can help you get over these difficult periods.

• Nurse Practitioners - Nurse practitioners are registered nurses (RNs) who have completed additional courses and training. They can work with or without the supervision of a physician. Their scope of work includes both diagnosis and treatment of diseases and, in many states, they can also write prescriptions.

• Physician's Assistants - A physician's assistant is a licensed health care professional who provides care under the supervision of a physician. Physician's assistants provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services including ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions, conducting physical examinations, and assisting in surgery.

• Nutritionists/Dieticians - consultation with a nutritional expert can help ensure that you maintain an adequate level of nutrition throughout your cancer treatment and that your body has sufficient energy to withstand the rigorous cancer treatments which may carry significant side-effects. Well-nourished cancer patients also have more energy and are less prone to experience severe fatigue and exhaustion.

• Social Workers - a social worker who is experienced in working with cancer patients (oncology social workers) can provide valuable assistance in dealing with a variety of social and emotional issues including:

  • teaching patients and families to navigate the complexities of the health-care system
  • helping with financial and health insurance issues
  • assisting family members in adjusting to new roles and responsibilities
  • arranging home health care for patients requiring home-based treatments
  • providing access to local, state, and government agencies that provide social and health services
  • helping cancer patients deal with employees and return to work issues

• Mental Health Professionals - A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating psychological and emotional disturbances in cancer patients (e.g., anxiety, fear, depression, self-image issues) is an integral member of the comprehensive cancer team who can help patients better cope and adjust to living with cancer.

• Clergy - a trusted member of the clergy can provide spiritual guidance, reassurance, and hope to cancer patients and their families.

• Sex Therapists - a sex therapist can help cancer patients who experience a reduced libido or other sexual problems that may develop as a consequence of the cancer itself or treatment related side-effects.

• Family and Friends - family, friends, and long-term acquaintances who know you best are one of your most important support networks and can provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement both during and long after you've completed your course of cancer therapy. Now, more than ever, you need to open-up to your family and friends and share your feelings, fears, and emotions with them. They will appreciate your willingness to trust and confide in them and you will benefit from their reassurance, encouragement, positive attitude, and continuous love.

• Organizations and Support Groups - a broad range of organizations and support groups that specialize in helping cancer patients and their families represent a valuable source of support, networking, access to services, and for obtaining important educational cancer materials. Some of these major organizations may be located in your city and some cancer support groups may even have branches in your neighborhood. Joining a cancer support group may be one of the most important steps you take to help yourself on the road to recovery. Networking and "connecting" with other cancer patients and cancer survivors who understand and share your fears and concerns can be an important source of consolation, comfort, and peace of mind knowing that you are not alone in this battle. Other cancer patients have been down this road before and learning about their personal experiences and coping strategies can help you work your way through this difficult period in your life.