Benefits of a Local Cancer Center

Jul 21
07:40

2014

Karen Denovich

Karen Denovich

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Going through chemotherapy treatment can be a very difficult time. The emotional side effects can be every bit as stressful as the physical side effects. The emotional effects can be related to the medication itself or to factors like work, family and friends. Emotions run high for the whole family. People who have access to a local cancer treatment center or hospital may have an easier time going through treatment.

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Going through chemotherapy treatment can be a very difficult time. The emotional side effects can be every bit as stressful as the physical side effects. The emotional effects can be related to the medication itself or to factors like work,Benefits of a Local Cancer Center Articles family and friends. Emotions run high for the whole family.

The decision to fight cancer does not end with the first dose of chemo. The physical side effects can include insomnia, constant nausea, weight loss, and hair loss. Cancer diagnosis can make patients feel like they are a burden on family, friends and their employer. They may feel isolated from participating in family activities due to fatigue and medical appointments. Social life is also dramatically affected by chemotherapy due to fatigue and depression.

People who have access to a local cancer treatment center or hospital may have an easier time going through treatment. Some of the benefits that can be reaped from having access to a local oncology hospital include:

Convenience

It is more convenient for both cancer patients and their loved ones to have a center close to home. Patients are often unable to drive after their chemotherapy treatment and need a friend or family caregiver to take them home. Many patients get treatments several times each week and will have an easier time getting to and from their appointments and spend less time in traffic, which can be a considerable time savings, depending on where they live.

Save Time & Money

When people who are undergoing chemotherapy have young children that are involved in athletics and lead busy lives; they don't want their routines to be disrupted. Having surgery and treatment at a local hospital means they can more easily ensure their children's lives can stay as normal as possible.

Oncology treatment bills can put pressure on the family budget, even with health insurance. Mnay times patients may have to take a medical leave of absence for their treatment. Some employers don't have the flexibility to allow a rehire after recovery and this can further add to emotional distress. Having a local cancer center saves travel time and money on transportation costs.

Less Stress and Anxiety

Patients feel more comfortable when getting chemotherapy at a local treatment center because it's part of their community. They are able to build relationships with people who live nearby. Friends and family caregivers can find the support they need to best care for someone with cancer and stay with their loved ones during treatment.

Better Treatment Outcomes

There are many factors that affect the success of chemotherapy treatments, including at what stage the cancer is found, its type and location as well as the patient's age and overall health. Health experts believe patients who are more relaxed during treatment will have better outcomes.

Patients need emotional support with their recovery to improve their quality of life. Having access to local hospitals for their chemotherapy treatments can make a very difficult time in their life just a little easier.