As a cancer patient, you want to do everything in your power to manage the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of cancer treatment. From finding the right medical team and treatments to managing your well-being, there are many factors to consider. One important consideration is the type of support options you choose to help you through your cancer journey.
Not everything is equal, however, and it’s important to understand the difference between evidence-based and non-evidence-based cancer support options, and to opt for evidence-based support whenever possible.
What are Evidence-Based Cancer Support Options?
Evidence-based cancer support options are those that have been proven through research to be effective in helping patients manage the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of cancer. This research is typically conducted through controlled clinical trials and is designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of a particular support option.
Examples of evidence-based cancer support options include:
- Exercise programs specifically designed for cancer patients.
- Mindfulness and meditation practices
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression
- Support groups facilitated by trained professionals
- Financial planning and support services
- Why are Evidence-Based Cancer Support Options Important?
Be careful though, sometimes an option is presented as evidence based when it really isn’t!
The benefits of evidence-based cancer support options are clear: they have been proven to be effective in helping patients manage the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of cancer. By choosing evidence-based support options, you can be confident that you’re taking steps to improve your well-being and manage the challenges of cancer treatment.
In contrast, non-evidence-based cancer support options have not been proven to be effective through research. While they may be well-intentioned, they may not provide the level of support and benefits that evidence-based options can offer.
Pushing for Evidence-Based Cancer Support Options
As a cancer patient, it’s important to push for evidence-based cancer support options whenever possible. Start by talking to your medical team about the support options available to you, and ask about the evidence behind each option. If your cancer center does not offer evidence-based support options, consider reaching out to organizations and resources that specialize in cancer support, or advocate for change at your cancer center.
Finding evidence-based cancer support options is an important part of managing the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of cancer treatment. By opting for evidence-based support options, you can be confident that you’re taking steps to improve your well-being and manage the challenges of cancer treatment. So talk to your medical team, reach out to organizations and resources that specialize in cancer support, and advocate for evidence-based support options at your cancer center. With the right support, you’ll be well on your way to managing the challenges of cancer treatment and maintaining your health and well-being.
