Improving the quality of life of cancer patients

Manila, Philippines -  Cancer patients have a lot to contend with as they go about their daily routine of diagnostic examinations and treatments.

There are accompanying discomforts, pain, and side effects that are as real as the cancer itself. So much so that doctors and cancer care providers are concerned about addressing these as much as they are about treating the disease itself. Both are of equal importance in providing care and comfort for cancer patients.

Alopecia (hair loss), skin hyperpigmentation, mouth sores, nail damage or discoloration are just some of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs and treatments. These are often referred to as the cutaneous toxicities of cancer therapy.

These toxicities are particularly present among patients with breast, lung, colon, and nasopharyngeal cancers, and other types necessitating chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

These so-called cutaneous complications cause both physical and psychological discomforts to cancer patients. The rashes and discoloration on the skin, nails, etc. are, of course, the more visible manifestations. The psychological effects on the patients’ self-esteem are harder to deal with.

According to doctors, these can compromise treatment and even recovery. “Toxicities impact the patient’s physical appearance. More than that, they can compromise patient’s compliance to treatment. Mouth sores, for instance, make it difficult for patients to swallow food or even medicines. Lack of self-esteem also affects the recovery of cancer patients,” says Dr. Maria Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, head of the Cancer Institute at Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC).

She adds, “When patients are depressed, their immune system is more compromised and they become prone to infection. The psychological well-being of patients is crucial to the success of their therapy. Poor psychological well-being can affect treatment compliance, and as a result, the patient’s response to treatment is hampered as well.”

Dr. Tiambeng further cites that it is part of doctors’ responsibilities to discern the need for extra support or care in dealing with cutaneous complications or toxicities, as most patients do not verbalize such concerns.

Cardinal Santos Medical Center is aware of the myriad needs of cancer patients. In fact, it is the only hospital in the country with a comprehensive cancer center where all adult and pediatric chemotherapy and radiation facilities are all in one complex of the building — the CSMC Cancer Institute on the lower ground floor.

The Center was further enhanced with the opening of the Cancer Support Shop just last February. “The cancer boutique sells products and items that address side effects of treatment such as skin creams, mouthwash, wigs, and even post-mastectomy bras. These are not readily available in stores or malls, so it is convenient for patients to pass by the shop after their doctor’s appointment,” says Dr. Tiambeng.

CSMC Cancer Support Shop is in partnership with Point of Care Solutions Inc. (PCSI) and Confianza Enterprise.

PCSI is the distributor of Evolife’s full range of cancer-support care products that treat the cutaneous and cutaneous-mucous side effects induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Evolife products are the result of years of research and development by a dedicated team of dermatologists, oncologists, and scientists based in France. Evolife products contain a unique blend of minerals, which provide patients with ultimate hydration and protection. Its product range includes the following:

• EvoMuco Mouthwash and Mouth Spray for mouth sores/ulcers or oral mucositis that cause difficult and painful swallowing.

• EvoDry Hydrating Spray for dry mouth (xerostomia), which hydrates the throat and mouth when they become dry (hyposalivation) after radiation.

• EvoSkin Gel Cream for irritated and dry skin, and side effects such as hand-and-foot syndrome and radiation dermatitis.

• EvoSkin Cleanser, a gentle face and body cleanser for irritated skin.

• EvoZac Calming Spray for irritated skin, a calming skin spray for irritations such as redness, rashes, itching, peeling, dryness or acneic rash due to therapy.

• EvoDeo Spray, for excessive sweating and hot flushes due to therapy.

• EvoNail Solution for damaged nails, which relieves nails of pain, cracks, and peeling, and helps restore the nails to their natural state.

• EvoCapil Hair Spray, for irritated or itchy scalp, which soothes and hydrates the scalp, encourages hair growth, and invigorates hair roots and strands.

• EvoDonto Toothpaste for sensitive and irritated gums, which helps patients achieve optimum dental hygiene.

• EvoLip Cream for damaged lips, which helps restore the elasticity of sensitive and dehydrated lips.

Confianza Enterprise is the distributor of American Breast Care external prosthesis products and specialized mastectomy bras. Confianza will help patients who have undergone mastectomy use the right breast prosthesis, which aids them in maintaining a balanced posture and boosts their confidence.

The physical discomforts of going through treatment for cancer are just as painful as the emotional and psychological side effects of the disease. It is important that patients are given a holistic wellness program, which includes support teams and even products that will boost their self- worth while going through the rigors of the therapy.

For more information on the offerings, visit the Cancer Support Shop at the CSMC Cancer Center, located at 10 Wilson St., Greenhills West, San Juan City. Also call PCSI at 635-9351 or Confianza at 871-0883.