Prevents, controls, or relieves complications and side effects to improve the patient's comfort and quality of life.
Supportive care is intended to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of a disease, the side effects of its treatment, and the psychological, social, and spiritual problems associated with it.
In the field of oncology, what is considered to be the best supportive care?
Social support and social interaction have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Research has shown that having a solid support system can lead to higher levels of well-being, more effective coping skills, and a longer, healthier life.
As part of supportive therapy, patients and their families may be educated about the illness, its potential and limitations. They may also set realistic goals, address issues in the patient's life that will reduce stress and anxiety, and assist the patient and family in enhancing their adaptive abilities.
Supportive and palliative care aims to improve or preserve the quality of life of patients and their families. Is there a difference between the two? Patients, families, and providers often hesitate to seek palliative care because they mistakenly believe it is synonymous with giving up on treatment, even though no one would object to "supportive care" interventions to relieve cancer-related pain and distress.