Cancer is a formidable adversary. Every year, this disease affects millions worldwide and takes away many lives in the process.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around ten million people died from cancer in 2020 alone. While cancer can be prevented by avoiding certain risk factors, for many, it’s often too late to opt for prevention strategies. In such cases, cancer patients have no other option but to seek treatment.
Cancer demands a comprehensive and specialized approach to treatment. In the face of this complex disease, seeking cancer treatment from specialized healthcare facilities emerges as a paramount decision.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the US currently has 72 NCI-designated cancer centers. These facilities are equipped with advanced technologies and specialized medical teams that can make a crucial difference in the battle against cancer. Such specializations enable these health facilities to provide the best possible treatment for cancer.
For individuals who have cancer, seeking treatment in such facilities provides a wide range of benefits. In this article, we delve into those benefits and explain why individuals should consider specialized healthcare facilities for their cancer treatment.
Expertise and Specialization
Cancer is a multifaceted disease with numerous forms, each requiring a distinct approach to treatment. Specialized healthcare facilities boast oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other medical professionals who are experts in their respective fields. These professionals possess a deep understanding of cancer’s intricacies, enabling them to devise tailored treatment plans.
Unlike general medical centers, specialized facilities are immersed in the latest research, breakthroughs, and treatment methodologies. Their expertise allows them to navigate the complexities of cancer, providing patients with the most effective and targeted treatments available.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Treatment
Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring require cutting-edge technology. As specialized cancer centers and healthcare facilities invest in the latest medical equipment, they’re always prepared to provide state-of-the-art treatment. This technology not only aids in accurate diagnosis but also enables more precise and minimally invasive treatment procedures.
Patients can benefit from the high precision of these technologies. This, in turn, can lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced side effects.
Specialized professionals and healthcare facilities also stay updated on the latest developments surrounding cancer treatment technology. Thus, if any widely-used medical device or medication is causing problems and raising alarms in the healthcare sector, they will know about it. The professionals will then avoid using or recommending this device or medication to their staff and patients.
Take the Bard PowerPort incident as an example. This port catheter device is implanted under the skin of a patient to allow for easy attachment to a catheter. The implanted port device is then used for the intravenous delivery of fluids or medication to the patient. According to TorHoerman Law, it’s been recently observed that using the Bard PowerPorts leads to a risk of serious complications and injuries. This happens mostly due to a catheter failure.
All this eventually led to the Bard PowerPort lawsuit. As per this lawsuit, the Bard PowerPort manufacturers will have to compensate the victims suffering from injuries because of using the device. These injuries include blood clots, damage to blood vessels, necrosis, etc.
As port devices like these are often used in cancer treatment, their usage might pose a risk to cancer patients as well. However, specialized cancer treatment facilities will be aware of these ongoing incidents and lawsuits. Therefore, they’ll act on them immediately and avoid using devices and medication that are making headlines for causing injuries and complications.
Comprehensive Care
Cancer treatment extends beyond medical interventions. It encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological aspects as well.
Specialized healthcare facilities recognize this holistic approach and often integrate supportive services into their treatment plans. These services may include counseling, nutrition guidance, pain management, and palliative care. By addressing the diverse needs of patients, specialized facilities provide comprehensive care that enhances the overall quality of life during the cancer journey.
Access to Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are essential for advancing cancer research and developing innovative treatments. Specialized healthcare facilities frequently participate in or even conduct clinical trials that explore novel therapies, medications, and treatment approaches.
In many cases, cancer patients may require out-of-the-box treatment depending on their health condition. As specialized facilities have access to clinical trials and trial data, they’re more capable to handle such unique cancer cases better than ordinary hospitals. That’s because no ordinary healthcare center will take the risk of opting for a novel or out-of-the-box treatment approach for these unique cases.
Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach
Cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, where different specialists collaborate to design the most effective treatment strategy. Specialized healthcare facilities excel in fostering teamwork among various medical professionals. This ensures that each patient’s case is thoroughly evaluated from multiple angles. Such collaboration can lead to more informed decisions, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes.
Conclusion
WebMD reports that by 2040, over 16 million people will die of cancer. To prevent this disease from taking away so many lives, there’s no alternative to specialized treatment. Based on the discussion above, it’s evident why such specialized healthcare facilities are vital for cancer treatment.
Therefore, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed, it’s advised that you seek treatment only at these specialized facilities. As you do so, the chances of you or your loved one surviving the ordeal of cancer will increase greatly.
