What Your Oncology Patients Aren't Telling You

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What goes through the mind of someone who has had cancer when they return to the cancer center for routine follow-ups? For many, these visits trigger a complex mix of emotions that healthcare professionals might not fully appreciate. Drawing from personal experience, this episode offers critical insights for oncologists, nurses, and support staff about improving patient care beyond the medical aspects of treatment.

The psychological impact of cancer treatment lasts far beyond the final chemotherapy session or radiation treatment. Something as seemingly minor as conducting lab draws in the infusion room can trigger anxiety and traumatic memories for survivors. Similarly, measuring progress by hair growth rather than overall wellbeing can feel reductive to someone whose illness has affected every aspect of their life. These perspectives highlight how small adjustments in standard protocols can significantly improve patient experiences.

Mental health support often disappears once active treatment ends, yet many survivors experience depression and anxiety during recovery. When healthcare providers dismiss medication side effects or fail to coordinate care across specialties, patients feel unheard and overwhelmed. The episode advocates for a holistic approach that acknowledges the full spectrum of cancer's impact—physical, emotional, and psychological. For healthcare professionals, these insights offer a road map to more compassionate care that prioritizes health span over lifespan and treats the whole person rather than just the disease. If you work with cancer patients, these five recommendations could transform how your patients experience care at your facility.

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