Emotional care most crucial for cancer patients
All of us have been touched by cancer, some of us over and over again and some of us have lost loved ones to the disease.”
Dr Gareth Goodler, CEO of Seha Group
abu dhabi — Psychological and emotional treatment of cancer patients is as important as the physical treatment, including radiation, medication and chemotherapy, oncology experts have said.
Dr Gareth Goodler, CEO of Seha Group, said during the three-day Oncology Conference that there has been an enormous breakthrough coming at regular intervals in cancer patient care, such as stem cells and liquid biopsies, however, what is perhaps most crucial for cancer patients is the “emotional and psychological” support and care needed. “Cancer carries with it an emotional label that causes fear in our society.
“All of us have been touched by cancer, some of us over and over again and some of us have lost loved ones to the disease.” He pointed out that “just visiting the hospital” can be daunting for potential cancer patients.
“Just going to get a CT scan result can cause days of fear and anxiety. It’s a very emotional subject and therefore treatments are not just medications, surgeries and radiations. The patients rely heavily on psychological support and so do their families. Being kind and compassionate and humane with the patients is thus crucial.”
Dr Goodler said that doctors should therefore reinforce the importance of partnership with patients, which is built on trust. “This will help patients lead better lives going forward.”
Dr Khaled Belaraj, chairman of the Oncology Centre, said healthcare professionals must commit themselves to provide the best cancer care to patients in the country.
“There’s no denial that cancer is on the rise,” he stressed.
“It is us who need to reform the healthcare structure and policies to support patients. It’s not only about cure, it’s about the quality of life they have left.”
He pointed out that there has been a quantum of leap in cancer care in the UAE. However, healthcare entities are facing challenges. “These include changing regulations and shortage of skill and cost.”
Dr Belaraj added that the conference, which concludes on Saturday, will thus provide an opportunity to come up with strategies and solutions on cancer treatment and cancer survival care.
“The world need to work collectively together to save lives and must make cancer experience the cancer itself.”
Dr Barry Meisenberg, medical director of Tawam Hospital Oncology Centre and representative from John Hopkins Medical Foundation, said the 1,500 medical attendees at the conference came with a single purpose, which is to help raise awareness on the disease and coming up with ideas and solutions to help patients. “Treatment centres treat traumas, but we also want to treat people and their families,” he added.
He pointed out that it is imperative for doctors to create a navigation to help patients so they can be their own best advocate. “We also need to let families know that they are not alone,” Dr Meisenberg added.