Change your fight against cancer: Why comprehensive care hospitals are essential

Do you or any of your loved ones have cancer and are worried about the treatment and prognosis of this disease? So, understand that you need to visit a hospital providing comprehensive care that is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and skilled expertise to fight cancer and become a cancer warrior.

Millions of cancer patients live in India, where cases of various types of cancer including breast, lung, ovarian, colon, head and neck, mouth and stomach are increasing at an alarming rate in the country. Cancer causes high morbidity and mortality among patients, therefore, the best cancer care should be made available to patients living in rural and urban areas to improve their quality of life and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Jyoti Mehta, MD Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre in Talegaon, shared, “Cancer therapy is a holistic and comprehensive, long-term approach that saves the patient’s life and prevents complications. Once a patient visits the hospital for cancer treatment, a thorough examination should be done to know his/her history and perform necessary investigations. After confirming the diagnosis of cancer, the specialist will prepare a personalized treatment plan according to the patient’s need.”

He highlighted the following benefits of approaching a comprehensive cancer care hospital for prompt intervention –

• A comprehensive cancer care hospital will offer a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, bringing together specialists to provide personalized and comprehensive care for each patient. From medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to surgical oncologists and support staff, these hospitals provide a collaborative team that can address all aspects of a patient’s treatment plan in one location.
• A comprehensive cancer care hospital will be able to provide the patient with state-of-the-art technology. This means that patients have access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment and the latest diagnostic facilities in the form of tests and investigations, giving them more options for their care. In addition, these hospitals often have palliative care services; specialized services such as counselors and nutritionists that can help patients cope with the emotional and physical challenges after a diagnosis.
• Genetic counseling and testing can also help determine if patients are at higher risk for developing familial cancer, which may also inform treatment options.
• Choose a comprehensive cancer care hospital for treatment that offers patients the benefits of expertise, innovation and specialized support services under one roof. The hospital can provide the best treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer patients. The hospital will also educate patients about physical rehabilitation and educate them about lifestyle changes and counsel them to stay stress-free and comfortable during treatment.

Dr Jyoti Mehta concluded, “Cancer does not mean death; it is possible to fight cancer and improve the chances of survival, provided there is a well-equipped hospital that provides round the clock services to patients under one roof and provides world-class facilities and treatment.”