Supportive care has become increasingly standard practice for cancer teams. But “supportive care” is difficult to define. Institutions and journal articles have described the term in different ways.
So what is supportive care, really? And how can it help mesothelioma patients?
What Is Supportive Care?
Supportive care is an all-around approach to cancer care. It looks at the patient as a whole human being with various distinct needs. It aims to manage symptoms and side effects while supporting quality of life. This can include anything from nutrition to Traditional Chinese Medicine. You can think of it as a catch-all for a range of different kinds of support.
Side Effect and Symptom Management
Cancer and its treatment can cause symptoms and side effects. Many patients experience pain and nausea. Supportive care seeks to manage these symptoms all the way from diagnosis to post-treatment. Studies have shown that this method can help improve symptom control.
Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation seeks to help patients maintain quality of life during and after treatment. Cancer and treatment can tax the mind and body; rehab can aid patients in building back their mobility and brain power.
Psychological Care
Mental health is a big part of overall health. And cancer can cause serious stress for patients and their caregivers. Psychological care addresses this aspect of cancer with things like therapy and mindfulness. Plus, studies show making therapy accessible for patients can help provide them better outcomes.
Social Care
Another aspect of supportive care is social care. This might mean a social worker advocating on a patient’s behalf with various healthcare providers. It could also provide patients’ families with financial support while battling cancer.
What’s the Difference Between Supportive and Palliative Care?
The biggest difference between these two is the name. Both focus on the well-being and comfort of patients. Experts say the term “supportive care” was created to help patients understand what palliative care actually is and how it helps patients.
A lot of patients think palliative care and end-of-life care are the same. So some people decline this type of care because of what they think it means. Palliative care doesn’t mean giving up on recovery — it can be part of recovery. But that point is easier to make if you call it supportive care instead.
No matter how you label it, both supportive and palliative care treat the whole patient. They prioritize quality of life and management of symptoms and side effects. Supportive/palliative care achieves this with a variety of services for the patient and their loved ones.
What Supportive Care Can Look Like for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma, like any cancer, can be challenging for patients and families alike. Supportive care helps patients navigate their journeys with better quality of life. Research has also linked supportive care to improved survival and reduced financial burdens. If you’re living with mesothelioma, talk to your care team about incorporating supportive care into your treatment plan. After all, patient health doesn’t stop at chemo or surgery.
