The management of cancer – whether it is breast, cervix or prostate cancer – obviously involves the implementation of appropriate treatment: chemotherapy, radiotherapy , immunotherapy…
In parallel with this essential treatment, there is supportive care: nutritional support, psychological support, adapted physical activity, management of sexual disorders… According to theNational Cancer Instituteof “all the care and support needed by sick people during and after illness“.
Yes, but here it is: in a press release published on September 20, 2022, the league against cancer (in cooperation with the Societal Cancer Observatory) deplore major inequalities in access to support care, with supporting figures.
Some patients cannot access supportive care for lack of money
Thus, 24% of people with cancer “have not been referred to any support care since the beginning of their journey: these are in particular people with low qualifications and who live in areas where the supply of primary care is sparse“. In addition, 19% of patients who referred to a support care professional(s) gave up consulting “for financial reasons or geographical accessibility“…
When supportive care is offered to cancer patients, it is not always appropriate. For example, only 26% of people who suffer from chronic fatigue are directed towards an adapted physical activity “although it is the most effective treatment“.
“Unfortunately, this problem of coordinating the pathways of people with cancer is likely to worsen further in the context of a major hospital crisis in France and medical desertification in certain territories.” denounces Daniel Nizri, volunteer national president of the League against cancer.
