Improving access to post-treatment support for patients with cancer – thinking outside the box: A patient perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Aggressive cancers such as mantle cell lymphoma are life-changing diseases, affecting all aspects in the life of a patient. Not only affecting a patient physically due to the disease itself and potential treatments but also mentally, socially and economically as well. The aim of this article is to describe the journey of a patient from a clinical and personal perspective, highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach to patients’ post-treatment care from clinicians, allied health professionals and patient advocacy groups/charities. Case presentation: The case presented the journey of a 51-year-old male with stage IV mantle cell lymphoma presented from his own perspective. The clinical case highlights a number of key issues on post-treatment support and the need for improvement to ensure cancer survivors have the best quality of life once treatment has ended. Conclusions: It is essential that cancer survivors receive the support and information they require to adjust to lifestyle changes arising from their disease and treatment. Improving communication and access to care and providing additional emotional support may assist survivors in adapting to these changes. Increased collaboration among physicians, researchers, allied health professionals, patient groups and charities and patients will continue to improve quality of life for cancer patients after treatment has ceased.