Thriving, not Just Surviving: Empowering Cancer Patients to Live Well

Article: Dr. Amal al-Fahdi – Consultant Psychiatrist

February 4th marks World Cancer Day, as we work together to help cancer patients improve their quality of life, we hope they all reach prosperity and can live a life full of love, warmth and happy moments between parents and friends!

Improving the quality of life for cancer patients (living with cancer: beyond survival).

Diagnosing cancer presents enormous challenges, affecting not only physical health but also emotional, social, and spiritual health. Recognizing this, quality of life has become a key focus in cancer care, intending to help patients live well alongside treatment and recovery.

Why do we care about quality of life?

Quality of life goes beyond just survival. The ability to include:

Manage physical symptoms effectively.
Coping with emotional disorders and anxiety.
Maintain healthy relationships and social bonds.
Find meaning and purpose in life.

By focusing on quality of life, we enable patients to experience joy and achievement throughout their cancer journey.

In our Center, we work to ensure that the patient goes beyond the stage of survival to prosperity and spends time among loved ones happily.

Enhancing Quality of Life: A Multifaceted Approach

Several key strategies play a vital role in supporting quality of life:

Patient-centered care: Tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and preferences, promoting shared decision-making, and respecting patient autonomy.
Effective symptom management: Treating physical and emotional symptoms through different medical and surgical treatments, and supportive care.
Psychological support: Provide individual or group counseling to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Strong social support: Connecting patients and their families through support groups and fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.
Spiritual support: Providing resources and opportunities for spiritual exploration, practice and helping to find meaning and purpose.
Education and empowerment: Provide comprehensive information on cancer, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
Financial assistance: Support for individuals who are facing difficulties due to cancer treatment.
Equitable access to services: Ensure universal access to quality cancer care, including diagnostic tests, treatment options, and rehabilitation services.

Quality of Life at Sultan Qaboos Cancer Care & Research Center (SQCCCRC): Leading the Way.

At SQCCCRC, the Comprehensive Care Department works together with clinical, surgical, and radiation oncology teams to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their loved ones. Comprehensive care programs focus not only on survival but also on patient well-being, offering:

Palliative care: Specialized care focused on alleviating suffering and improving the quality of life for advanced cancer patients.
Psychosocial programs: Provide peer support, emotional guidance, and information exchange for both patients and their families. These programs also address mental health challenges associated with cancer, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Financial Assistance: Provide resources to help individuals cope with the financial burden of cancer and its treatment.
Rehabilitation programs:help patients regain their physical and emotional strength after treatment and promote functional independence.
Complementary and integrative therapies: Integrate practices such as providing foot care or acupuncture services, and massage therapy to manage symptoms and improve overall health.

Improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families requires collaborative effort. We can create a positive and satisfying experience for those affected by cancer. Recognizing the progress made at SQCCCRC and the need for continuous improvement, we strive towards a future where individuals with cancer can thrive, not just survive.