Supportive therapy, also known as supportive care or palliative care, focuses on improving the quality of life for cancer patients by managing symptoms, side effects, and emotional challenges during and after treatment. It is an essential part of comprehensive cancer care, provided alongside curative therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Supportive therapy addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients. It aims to:
There are various forms of supportive care tailored to individual patient needs:
Includes medications, nerve blocks, and other techniques to control chronic or acute pain related to cancer or treatments.
Dieticians and nutritionists help patients maintain proper nutrition, manage appetite loss, and address treatment-related weight changes.
Counseling, support groups, and therapy help patients and their families cope with anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.
Rehabilitation services help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence after cancer treatments.
Medications are used to manage symptoms such as nausea, insomnia, constipation, and shortness of breath.
Supportive care is provided through a multidisciplinary team and can be given at any stage of cancer:
Supportive care plays a critical role in enhancing patient well-being:
Supportive therapy is generally safe, but some treatments can have mild side effects such as:
Supportive care is evolving with better integration into cancer care pathways, use of digital tools for symptom tracking, and personalized plans tailored to patient needs throughout their journey.
Supportive therapy is a vital component of cancer treatment that ensures patients are not just surviving, but living with dignity and comfort. By addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of cancer, it plays a key role in comprehensive cancer care.
