Supportive Care

Supportive Care

Supportive care in oncology is a vital component of any patient care as it aims to alleviate the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment. It is also known as palliative care, and it is designed to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Supportive care is an important part of the overall care of cancer patients and can be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatment, or as the main focus of care in advanced or terminal illness.

The focus of supportive care in oncology is to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress, which can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. This focus deals with fatigue, depression, insomnia, neuropathy, lymphedema, loss of appetiete and other effects from therapy and diagnosis.. It also includes addressing practical issues that arise as a result of cancer and its treatment, such as providing financial and practical support, as well as addressing psychosocial needs like emotional, spiritual and psychological issues. It's a multidisciplinary approach to care that may involve a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals working together to address the physical, emotional and social needs of patients and their families.

• Nutrition
• Physical therapy
• Social Work
• Palliative and Pain Medicine
• Physical Medicine & Rehab

Supportive care is an important aspect of comprehensive care and should be offered to all patients, regardless of their prognosis or stage of disease. Many cancer centers have specialized teams in place to provide supportive care. These teams work closely with a patients' primary care physicians to ensure that their needs are met throughout the course of state of the art care here at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute. It's essential that patients and their families are made aware of the supportive care services available to them and know that they can access them at any stage of their journey.