Editing Patient Pathways: Colon Cancer (section)

= Supportive activities for patients with colon cancer =

A coordinated multidisciplinary approach to providing supportive care in healthcare settings is essential to helping patients throughout their treatment journey. Such an approach significantly improves the quality of life of patients with colon cancer, helping them to cope more easily with the difficulties that the disease and treatment bring.

Civil society organizations, such as patient associations and cancer charities, can play a key role in informing patients about such supportive activities.

Also, associations themselves, with the help of experts, can organize and provide some of the necessary support to patients in order to reduce physical, psychological, financial and professional difficulties, lack of verified and understandable information and strengthening the coordination of health care, not only within the health system but also through activities aimed at actively involving patients in the development of better national health guidelines and policies.

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== Supportive activities provided by healthcare institutions ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

Supportive activities for patients with colon cancer within the healthcare system cover a wide range of services aimed at improving the overall quality of life of patients. Along with medical care that includes regular monitoring through blood tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans, and follow-up by specialist doctors, for optimal management of physical difficulties, patients should have access to a multidisciplinary team of experts.

'''Family Medicine Physician:''' Takes care of everyday health needs during and after treatment.

'''Oncologist:''' overall treatment management.

'''Dietitian:''' counseling on nutrition and weight management.

'''Physiotherapist:''' pain management and mobility improvement.

'''Psychologist:''' Helps with emotional issues.

'''Oncology nurses:''' take care of you before, during and after treatment, provide information about the daily treatment plan and teach you how to use aids.

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

Patients with cancer and their families almost inevitably face numerous psychological difficulties throughout the entire therapeutic journey. Professional psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapeutic work, counseling with a partner and family counseling is a key part of support for cancer patients. Also, a psychiatrist may recommend psychopharmacotherapy as support for patients.

'''Supportive activities for providing reliable and understandable information'''

'''Informed consent:''' a signed form is proof that the conversation in which the doctor provides information to the patient about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, risks, complications and alternative treatments has led to mutual understanding. Detailed and easily understandable educational content for patients are necessary in this process, but are often not available.

'''Right to a second medical opinion:''' guaranteed by the Patient Rights Act. The patient always has the right to seek a second medical opinion on their health condition. Every healthcare professional with a high professional qualification and appropriate specialization who was not involved in the direct provision of a certain type of healthcare service to the patient is obliged to give a second medical opinion to the patient at the patient’s verbal or written request. In addition to the patient, the doctor is also the one who can initiate the procedure of seeking a second opinion. In the case of diagnosing a rare disease, the impossibility of finding (adequate) therapy, and the inadequate technological equipment of the healthcare institution that prevents or makes it difficult to establish a diagnosis or the course of therapy, doctors often seek the help and confirmation of their colleagues from other institutions for the purpose of highest quality approach to each patient.

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== Supportive activities provided by associations ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

Support related to side effects of treatment: organizing workshops and informative activities that educate patients on ways to manage side effects. Providing brochures and online resources with practical tips.

Support related to the symptoms of the disease: access to medical professionals for early intervention and treatment of symptoms. Organization of counseling centers where patients can receive advice from medical professionals and psychologists. Inclusion of medical advisors in support programs.

Support related to metabolic disorders, nutritional problems and lack of energy: connecting patients with nutritionists and endocrinologists through organized events and online consultations to personalize the patient’s diet plan and collaborating with fitness and nutrition experts for personalized recommendations for moderate exercise. Organization of practical workshops for proper nutrition, creation of educational materials.

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

Offering free or subsidized psychological counseling, organizing support groups and telephone lines for psychological support. In case of depressive disorders, support in finding a psychiatrist and therapist, and cooperation of associations with them. Organization of support groups for conversation and exchange of experiences.

Organizing workshops and therapy groups that focus on body positivity and embracing change. Providing free courses in meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques. Creating online resources and apps to support stress management.

Associations can organize workshops for couples, including counseling with sexual health professionals. Organizing family therapy sessions and workshops that include all family members in the support process. Connecting with peer groups and social activities. Organizing social events, online forums and support groups where patients can connect and share their experiences.

'''Supportive activities for financial and professional challenges'''

Advice on labor rights and adaptation of the workplace. Providing legal advice and support for talking to employers about adapting the workplace. Organization of workshops on workers’ rights.

Connecting patients with financial advisors and organizing workshops on managing finances during treatment.

Providing information about financial support, organizing fundraising campaigns and assistance in applying for financial assistance. Connecting patients with social workers and providing free financial counseling.

'''Supportive activities for providing reliable and understandable information necessary for informed participation in the treatment process'''

'''Understanding illness and treatment:''' education and information materials. Organization of educational seminars and workshops with medical professionals. Distribution of brochures and online resources about the disease and treatment.

'''Supportive activities on patient rights'''

Information is provided about rights and social assistance options. You can find everything about patient rights at this link of the IGET association - Institute for Gastroenterological Tumors: https://iget.hr/prava-osoba-oboljelih-od-onkoloskih-bolesti/

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