What is Cancer Support Treatment? Supportive Care Methods

Cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth and multiplication of body cells in an abnormal way, is a serious disease that must be treated with early diagnosis and a multifaceted treatment approach. Today, with advanced technological methods and a team of experts in the field of oncology, cancer treatment can be possible. When cancer is diagnosed, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are applied as the primary treatment method. In addition to the basic cancer treatment aimed at reducing and eliminating cancer cells, cancer support treatments that include various methods to support treatment during and after the cancer period can be applied.

What is Supportive Treatment in Cancer?

Supportive treatment aimed at reducing the symptoms of cancer and the side effects caused by treatment can be defined as cancer support treatment. Cancer support treatment encompasses all applications that manage physical and psychological symptoms and the side effects of treatment throughout the disease duration, from diagnosis to treatment and post-treatment care services. It aims to prevent the spread of cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life. It supports both the patient and their family physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually.
Supportive treatment methods include many types of care, including pain management, nutritional support, psychological counseling, exercise, music therapy, meditation, and palliative care. Supportive treatment can be provided alongside basic cancer treatments from the diagnosis and identification of the disease until the end of life. Cancer support treatments are carried out by a team that includes not only a specialized medical oncologist but also other auxiliary health services such as pain specialists, psychologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. Cancer support treatments may include the following options:

Management of Symptoms

Practices aimed at alleviating cancer symptoms form an important part of supportive care. In addition to the symptoms of the disease, various supportive therapies and strategies can be applied to alleviate side effects of treatment such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and sleep disorders.

Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition in cancer is very important for supporting the normal functions of the immune system and for the patient to feel stronger and better. The disease itself and its treatment can lead to loss of appetite, making it difficult to eat and causing problems that complicate digestion. Seeking help from a specialized dietitian for adequate and balanced nutritional support in cancer can support the cancer patient’s treatment and improve their quality of life.

Psychological Support

During cancer treatment, patients may feel psychologically weak and focus on strong emotions that could harm themselves. These emotions can lead to long-term stress, anxiety, and depression. Receiving psychological support from a psychologist is important for supporting cancer treatment in terms of coping with problems and stress management.

Integrative Approaches

Integrative approaches such as meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, mindfulness practices, and music therapies are among the methods applied in supportive treatment.

Who Can Benefit from Cancer Support Treatment?

Cancer support treatment can and should be applied to all cancer patients, regardless of personal conditions, type, or stage of cancer.

What Are the Methods of Applying Cancer Support Treatment?

Cancer support treatment involves personalized care prepared by a specialized team for the specific cancer disease. In addition to pain and other symptoms that develop due to cancer, it aims to solve the general distress that families may encounter during cancer treatment. Supportive treatment methods prepared according to the uniqueness of each patient and individual treatment goals may include:

Aromatherapy and Massage

Aromatherapy massages performed with scented oils to provide a calming feeling can help the cancer patient relax and calm down, thus supporting cancer treatment. When scents like lavender are added to massage oil or bath water, it can alleviate symptoms of nausea, pain, and stress.
Massage therapies that reduce muscle tension can help cancer patients relax by supporting the reduction of stress. Studies also suggest that massage can help alleviate pain caused by cancer and reduce depression and anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is applied as support for the treatment of many diseases, is a type of talk therapy. This therapy method, performed by specialists working in mental health fields such as psychologists and psychiatrists, can provide solutions to the cancer patient’s difficult situations. The therapist can help identify thoughts and behaviors that cause sleep problems, supporting the development of healthy sleep habits.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and treatment-related side effects that occur during and after cancer treatment. Light exercises can relieve stress and promote better sleep. It can help improve the quality of life by supporting the basic treatments of cancer patients. Yoga, which combines stretching exercises and breathing techniques with meditation, is important in supportive treatment. It can reduce stress levels and help strengthen muscles, alleviating body pains related to symptoms or side effects. Another positive effect of yoga is that it facilitates falling asleep and improves sleep quality.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis, a state of deep concentration, can help alleviate pain caused by cancer and reduce stress. It can help prevent emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, and worry that are frequently experienced by cancer patients. It can also support the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

Meditation

Meditation, which allows the mind to focus on a positive thought, image, or sound, is a state of deep concentration. The meditation method, which includes deep breathing techniques and relaxation exercises, can support the improvement of mood by reducing anxiety and stress in cancer patients.

Music Therapy

Music therapy, which includes activities such as listening to music, singing, or playing any instrument, can help alleviate pain caused by cancer, prevent nausea and vomiting, and play an important role in coping with anxiety and stress.

What Are the Effects of Cancer Support Treatment?

Cancer supportive treatment can help improve the ability to cope with cancer symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life. It supports the improvement of overall health status and contributes to the physical, mental, and psychological recovery of the patient. The increase in quality of life allows the patient to have a longer life expectancy. It can help reduce anxiety, feelings of burnout, and depression, thereby supporting the immune system. It can assist the patient in responding positively to basic treatment and contribute to shortening the treatment process. At the same time, it can provide psychological and social support to the patient’s family, enhancing their ability to cope with cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment.

Special nutritional support for cancer patients can help reduce digestive system problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite. Cancer patients who eat adequately and balanced can feel better; by preserving their strength and energy, they can better tolerate the side effects of treatment. Healthy eating can support the normal functions of the immune system, reducing the risk of infections. Strengthening the immune system can prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and support the healing process of patients.

Who Performs Cancer Support Treatment?

Cancer support treatment can be carried out by health professionals who have specialized training or certification in the field of cancer support treatment. Experts who are aware of the physical, mental, and psychological challenges that individuals with cancer may face provide holistic treatment services to patients and their relatives. Typically, the cancer support treatment team includes a medical oncologist, nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist, and social worker. The team aims to alleviate cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment from the patient’s cancer diagnosis until the end of their life.

Why is Cancer Support Treatment Important?

Cancer support treatment increases the cancer patient’s ability to cope with the physical, mental, and psychological challenges they face. It can help make treatment more effective by integrating the individual’s special needs with basic cancer treatment. It can alleviate physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and shortness of breath. It can help patients and their relatives cope with emotional challenges experienced during and after cancer treatment. It can support the resolution of emotions such as depression, anxiety, and fear. Additionally, the cancer support team can refer you to a financial advisor to inform you about the financial planning and legal documents related to cancer treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions