A fever renders us highly vulnerable and in need of assistance. How much more so if you have cancer? That said, patients suffering from fatal diseases must be well taken care of. However, we would not be able to give them extensive care if we were not well-versed in what they needed. And if you are a cancer patient, knowing your daily needs can also be beneficial for you.
Fortunately, several clinics specializing in curing and helping cancer patients have emerged throughout the years. In addition, cancer patients tend to acquire Mexican cancer treatments and other forms of advanced treatments to seek professional help. Knowing how meticulous it can be to assist a cancer patient, some well-off families even hire personal caretakers and nurses. These hired healthcare workers feed, administer medication, clean waste, check vital signs, and evaluate a patient’s medical changes. But not everyone can pay for private health care, and some people can’t afford hospital bills in the long run.
What is cancer?
Cancer is any of the several illnesses characterized by the growth of irregular cells that divide out of control. These cells can penetrate and destroy tissues and organs. As a result, cancer can spread throughout the patient’s body. Cancer is so lethal that it ranked second as the leading cause of death worldwide. Cancers also have various types and stages. Nonetheless, every cancer patient requires care and assistance.
What are the needs of a cancer patient?
- Cancer treatments
Depending on the type, some cancer patients have only one treatment. Meanwhile, other patients might require combinations of various treatments. The kind of treatment you get will vary depending on your cancer and its intensity. The most popular cancer treatments are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Other patients also undergo immunotherapy, laser therapy, and targeted therapy.
The periods of these treatments may vary, but some treatments, like chemotherapy, can last between three and six months. Once your cancer treatment comes to an end, follow-up care entails continuing to see a doctor for regular checkups. Throughout the first two to three years following treatment, patients schedule follow-up appointments every three to four months. You might get a physical examination, blood tests, and other necessary evaluations and procedures at these sessions to check for any changes in your health or potential issues brought on by your cancer therapy.
- Psychological Needs
Having cancer does not just take a toll on the patient’s physical health but also on their psychological health. Most cancer patients can no longer do the things they used to due to health restrictions. Thus, cancer patients need an emotional support system from their friends and family. To round out their options, they may also join counseling and cancer support groups to interact with cancer survivors.
- Physical Assistance
There are times when physical pains and symptoms hinder cancer patients from doing their daily routine. Thus, having someone by their side to assist them in household chores and running errands can be of great help. In addition, physical assistance is also needed for their daily healthcare management needs and medical regimens.
- Financial Needs
Cancer treatments, hospital bills, and medications are expensive. Hence, government financial assistance and charitable contributions are beneficial for cancer patients and their families. Taking numerous drugs is typically part of cancer treatment. Cancer patients may also be taking medications for side effects such as pain, nausea, and low blood counts in addition to pharmaceuticals specifically related to their treatment. More than 20 tablets may be taken daily by some people, and financial aid is highly needed to sustain these needs.
- Other things
Some cancer patients also require regular blood donations, especially those who are suffering from leukemia. Other than that, they may also need continuous donations of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods that they are allowed to take. It can also be helpful to provide them with things like chapstick, hand sanitizers, pain relievers, wheelchairs, adjustable bath chairs, and other things that can make mobility easier.