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Needs of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: A Narrative Review

Preksha Maheshwari

Abstract


Throughout the world, cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In 2012, there were 8.2 million cancer-related deaths worldwide and 14.1 million new cases. The number of new cancer cases per year is expected to rise to 23.6 million by 2030. Most cancer patients now endure a combination of effective treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biotherapy. Although these treatments can potentially cure and/or prolong the lives of those with cancer, they are often associated with a plethora of physical and psychosocial problems. This paper describes the needs of cancer patients, with particular focus on the needs of those receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These needs, if unnoticed and remains unmet, may result in distress and can have a harmful impact on medical outcomes due to lack of willingness to undertake treatment programs. This may result in reduced patient satisfaction and augmented healthcare costs as patients make more appointments with doctors and hospitals. It is, therefore, imperative that cancer-related health professionals are aware about such needs in their patients, and endeavor to fulfill these to the maximum possible level.


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