Cancer Hospital In India: Importance Of Palliative Care For Cancer Patients

Posted by Nanavati Hospital on May 1st, 2021

Palliative care aims to enhance or improve the quality of life of patients suffering from a serious or life-threatening illness, such as cancer. It is an approach to care that responds to the whole person (patient), not just the illness. The goal of palliative care is to avoid or treat, as soon as possible, the symptoms and side effects of a disease and its treatment and the associated psychological, social and spiritual problems. Patients can receive hospice care in a cancer hospital in India, in an outpatient clinic, in a long-term care facility, or at home under the direction of a physician. 

Palliative care is generally provided by healthcare practitioners (called ‘palliative care specialists’) who have received special training in hospice care. They provide comprehensive care by focusing on the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that cancer patients may face during the entire course of treatment. 

A team of palliative care specialists is multidisciplinary in nature and usually consists of doctors, nurses, dietitians, chaplains, psychologists, and social workers. The team works closely with the patient's oncology treatment team to manage care and maintain the best possible quality of life. The specialists also provide support to the caregiver, facilitate communication among members of the healthcare team, and assist in discussions by focusing on the patient's care goals. 

The physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment can vary from patient to patient. Palliative care at the top cancer hospitals in Mumbai can respond to a very wide range of issues by integrating an individual's specific needs into care. A hospice specialist will consider the following issues for each patient: 

Physical: Common physical symptoms include pain, tiredness, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and insomnia.

Emotional: Palliative care specialists can provide resources to help patients and families manage the emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Depression, anxiety, and fear are just a few of the concerns that can be treated through palliative care. 

Spiritual: With a cancer diagnosis, patients and families often search for a deeper meaning or reason behind the disease. Some people find that it brings them closer to their spiritual or faith beliefs, while others struggle to understand why cancer occurs in them. A palliative care professional can assist people explore their faith, beliefs and values so that they find a sense of peace or reach the point of acceptance that is appropriate for their situation. 

Needs of the patient's caretakers: The presence and involvement of a patient's friends and family can play a key role in palliative cancer care. Just like the patient, they have changing needs. It is common for family members to feel exhausted by the additional responsibilities. Many people find it difficult to care for a sick relative while fulfilling other obligations, such as their job, housework, and caring for other family members. The inability to help a loved one with medical situations, inadequate social support and emotions such as fear and worry can also add to the caregiver's stress. These challenges can compromise the health of those who care for the sick. Palliative care specialists can help families and friends get ahead and give them the support they need. 

Palliative care can be provided throughout cancer treatment, from diagnosis to the end of life. When a person receives palliative care, they can continue to receive cancer treatment as well. If you wish to receive top-notch treatment in Mumbai, look no further than Nanavati Hospital. One of the top cancer hospitals in India, its highly qualified team of palliative care specialists, onco-surgeons, physicians, psychologists, dietitians and nurses ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.