Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Quality of Life (QoL) refers to the overall well-being of an individual, encompassing both physical and mental states, including health, happiness, job satisfaction, family life, education, and safety. It is a broad concept impacted by various individual life factors, often used to evaluate the general well-being in different societies and cultures.
Cancer is a challenging journey, and for patients and survivors, maintaining a high quality of life (QoL) is paramount. In this article, we delve into the profound connection between QoL, overall well-being, and healthcare for those affected by cancer.
Quality of life in healthcare refers to an individual’s overall well-being and satisfaction with various aspects of life, particularly in the context of their health and medical condition.
QoL is a multidimensional concept, encompassing various facets:
Physical health is a fundamental component of QoL for cancer patients. It includes pain management, fatigue, and addressing the side effects of treatments.
Psychological health is crucial. Many cancer patients experience anxiety, depression, and concerns about recurrence, body image, and self-esteem.
Cancer often affects relationships. Patients may face changes in their social life, feelings of isolation, and financial strain.
Access to healthcare facilities, transportation, and necessary accommodations at home and work also impact QoL.
Assessing QoL involves multiple methods, including Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), clinical assessments, and quality-of-life questionnaires.
Research consistently links higher QoL with better treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
QoL plays a pivotal role in survivorship, influencing long-term prognosis and overall well-being.
Improving QoL can enhance treatment adherence, ensuring that patients follow their treatment plans effectively.
Incorporating multidisciplinary care teams, including palliative care specialists, can address diverse patient needs.
Palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving overall comfort and QoL.
Psychological and emotional support through counseling and support groups is vital for addressing mental health challenges.
Survivorship care plans offer guidance to survivors, ensuring a smooth transition post-treatment.
Integrative therapies and complementary medicine can complement conventional treatments and enhance well-being.
Hearing personal stories and experiences from cancer patients and survivors highlights the importance of individualized care.
Patient-centered care acknowledges the patient’s unique needs and preferences, prioritizing their well-being.
Exploring effective strategies for coping and maintaining QoL during the cancer journey can empower patients and survivors.
In conclusion, the intrinsic connection between QoL, well-being, and healthcare for cancer patients and survivors is undeniable. Prioritizing QoL leads to better outcomes and a more positive cancer journey.
QoL refers to an individual’s overall well-being, encompassing various dimensions of life, including physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects.
Patients can use QoL questionnaires and PROMs to assess and track their well-being over time.
Yes, psychological support, including counseling and support groups, can help address anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Providing emotional support, helping with practical tasks, and simply being there to listen can make a significant difference.
A healthy diet and regular physical activity can boost overall well-being and aid in managing treatment-related side effects.
Many communities offer support groups, financial assistance, and wellness programs specifically designed for cancer patients and survivors.
Healthcare providers can use validated QoL questionnaires and regularly engage in discussions with patients about their well-being to better integrate QoL assessments into care.
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