A recent article highlights a significant shift in oncology care: the American Society of Clinical Oncology now recommends early palliative care for everyone diagnosed with advanced cancer. Here are six crucial points to know about palliative care:
1. Improved Quality of Life and Survival: Early involvement in palliative care not only enhances the quality of life but also prolongs survival, according to Dr. Allison Chang from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
2. Empowering Patients: Palliative care puts patients in control, working closely with their providers to manage symptoms and treatment side effects effectively.
3. Supporting Caregivers: Palliative care teams recognize and support the essential role of caregivers, ensuring they are an integral part of the care process.
4. More Time at Home: By managing symptoms like fatigue, palliative care helps patients spend more quality time at home or wherever they prefer to be.
5. Insurance Coverage: Most insurance companies cover palliative care, making it accessible to those in need.
6. Not Just for Cancer: Palliative care benefits anyone with a serious illness, including heart and kidney failure. It's essential for patients to ask their doctor about the potential benefits.
Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer for the American Cancer Society, emphasizes: "Palliative care is no longer something that's 'nice to have.' It's a 'have to have.'"
💙 What this means for Tuesday Health: At Tuesday Health, we are dedicated to integrating palliative care from the time of diagnosis to ensure our members receive comprehensive, compassionate support throughout their journey.
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