3 advantages of having a palliative care doctor in conjunction with an oncologist

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, many patients and their families may understand that they have to "choose" between full treatment and providing care for the patient's comfort and peace of mind. However, this understanding may not be entirely accurate. Palliative care and cancer treatment are not conflicting choices; rather, they are "supportive" and can be approached together harmoniously.

Oncologists play a role in treating the disease, while palliative care physicians focus on enhancing well-being and quality of life. When these two specialties work together, patients and their families receive holistic care - with understanding and compassion - that encompasses every stage of treatment, not just the end of life.

 

Koon is Thailand’s first hospital specializing in palliative care. It is dedicated to significantly improving the quality of life for patients and their families - physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually - particularly for patients with conditions that cannot be completely cured and whose symptoms have reduced their quality of life to a level far below what it once was.

- Patients in the terminal or advanced stages of disease, such as those with terminal cancer, advanced cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, chronic heart disease, lung disease, end-stage kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, and end-stage cirrhosis

- Bedridden patients and ICU patients who are frequently admitted to and discharged from the hospital

- Patients recovering from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, etc.

At Koon Hospital, we have oncologists who can administer chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. We can also quickly refer patients for radiation therapy. We therefore recommend the benefits of having a palliative care physician work alongside your oncologist to ensure your well-being and quality of life - and that of your loved ones - starting today.

 

3 advantages of having a palliative care doctor in conjunction with an oncologist.

1. Better control of symptoms and management of side effects help ensure that treatment continues effectively.

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy, often come with side effects that affect the body, including pain, fatigue, nausea, or difficulty breathing. While oncologists focus on treating the disease, palliative care physicians proactively help manage these symptoms. When symptoms are properly controlled, patients are better able to tolerate treatment, have the physical and mental strength to carry on with their lives, and can continue treatment as planned. This not only enhances their comfort but also improves overall treatment outcomes.

2. Pay close attention to the emotional well-being of your family and help alleviate their unseen suffering

Cancer does not only affect the body; it also causes anxiety, fear, and emotional stress for both patients and their families. The palliative care team provides systematic emotional support, helping patients face uncertainty with resilience while also offering support to caregivers who may be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. This “two-dimensional” approach helps reduce burnout, fosters understanding within the family, and provides a sense of security during challenging times - something that medical treatment alone may not be able to fully address.

3. Planning clear communication helps you make decisions with greater confidence.

Decisions about cancer treatment are often complex and fraught with deep emotional weight. Palliative care physicians play a crucial role in facilitating advance care planning, explaining medical information in an easy-to-understand way, and aligning treatment options with the patient’s values, beliefs, and needs. When working alongside oncologists, patients not only “receive information” but also gain greater “empowerment in decision-making,” leading to more confident decisions, reduced feelings of regret and anxiety later on, and a care plan that truly reflects what matters most in the patient’s life.

 

Palliative care, therefore, does not mean giving up; rather, it empowers patients at every stage of their care journey. When integrated with cancer treatment, it helps strike a balance between disease management and care that respects the patient’s “human dignity.” Choosing both approaches together is not only possible but also an option that helps patients live comfortably, with dignity, and with clarity at every step of their treatment journey.

 

Koon Hospital Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you receive palliative care while undergoing cancer treatment?

Koon Hospital has oncologists who can administer chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. We can also quickly refer patients for radiation therapy. In addition, we are fully equipped to provide palliative care alongside primary treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to help improve the well-being and quality of life for patients and their families.

2. Does palliative care mean stopping cancer treatment?

Palliative care focuses on alleviating and managing symptoms of discomfort while providing emotional support to patients and their families; it is not intended to replace curative treatment aimed at controlling the disease or prolonging life without quality of life.

3. When is the best time to start palliative care?

The sooner you start, the better, as it gives patients and their families time to prepare and plan their care in advance through the Advance Care Planning process, manage symptoms of discomfort, and reduce fear and anxiety before an emergency arises.

4. How does palliative care help support families?

Palliative care provides emotional support, offers guidance to caregivers, and facilitates communication within the family, helping to reduce stress and foster mutual understanding.

You can review the information Why is “Koon” the treatment option that best meets “your” needs? To learn about the treatment approach at Koon Hospital, which aims to enhance and enrich the quality of life and precious moments for patients and their families, in alignment with each individual’s true goals and aspirations - comprehensively addressing physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being

 

 

Reference :

KOON Palliative Care 3 advantages of having a palliative care doctor in conjunction with an oncologist
ArokaGO Providers KOON Palliative Care Specialised Hospital