Redefining Cancer care : A people-centered approach for healing beyond the diagnosis

Dipak Kurmi *

World Cancer Day from 2025 to 2027 is guided by the theme “United by Unique,” a message that champions the importance of prioritizing individuals in cancer care. The initiative underscores the necessity of adopting a holistic approach that encompasses not only the disease but also the person enduring it. Each cancer diagnosis is a deeply personal journey, filled with complex emotions and unique experiences.

Recognizing these human stories and respecting them is crucial for healthcare systems to foster an environment that values, hears, and supports patients while addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Treatment

A people-centered approach to cancer treatment redefines care by addressing the multifaceted needs of patients. Unlike traditional biomedical models that focus exclusively on disease management, this approach embraces a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of a patient’s experience.

At its core, people-centered care involves placing patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations at the heart of the treatment process. It is not just about treating the illness but also about nurturing the mind and spirit of the individual. The World Health Organization defines patient-centered care as respectful and responsive to individual pre- ferences, needs, and values.

This approach encompasses several fundamental pillars:

Physical Comfort : Ensuring that patients endure minimal pain and discomfort during treatment.
Emotional Support : Recognizing and addressing the anxiety, fear, and depression often accompanying a cancer diagnosis.
Respect for Patient Preferences and Values : Encouraging patients to actively participate in decisions about their care.
Coordination of Care : Facilitating seamless collaboration among healthcare teams.
Involvement of Family and Support Systems : Valuing the role of families in providing emotional and physical support.
Information and Education : Empowering patients with knowledge to make informed decisions about their treatment.

These principles stand in stark contrast to the fragmented and often impersonal nature of traditional biomedical models, which frequently exclude patients and their families from decision-making processes. By empowering patients as active participants in their treatment journey, a people-centered approach fosters trust and collaboration, leading to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.

The Role of Empathy in Oncology

Empathy is a cornerstone of people-centered cancer care. For healthcare professionals, particularly those working in oncology, clinical empathy—the ability to understand and share the emotions of their patients—is essential.

Cancer patients often face life-altering challenges, including physical pain, emotional distress, and existential uncertainty. Empathy not only improves communication but also helps patients feel valued and understood, leading to more effective care.

Research highlights the profound impact of empathy in oncology care

Improved Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes: Empathetic healthcare providers encourage open communication, enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
Emotional Validation: Patients who feel heard and understood experience greater emotional resilience, contributing to better mental health and overall outcomes.

Nurses, who are often the primary point of contact for cancer patients, play a pivotal role in providing empathetic care. Their ability to build trusting relationships can ease psychological distress, enhance patient satisfaction, and ultimately improve treatment results.

Integrating Patient Voices into Care

A truly people-centered approach involves actively incorporating patient voices into the design and delivery of care. When healthcare providers listen to patients’ concerns, preferences, and values, they can create personalized care plans that align with individual goals. Patients who are engaged in their treatment decisions are more likely to adhere to protocols and achieve better outcomes.

To integrate patient perspectives effectively, healthcare professionals should:

Understand Patient Needs: Regularly engage with patients to understand their priorities, whether related to pain management, emotional support, or other concerns.
Offer Holistic Support : Address not only medical challenges but also social and psychological needs.
Collect Feedback : Use patient satisfaction surveys and feedback mechanisms to continuously improve care delivery.

Such practices not only enhance the patient experience but also create a collaborative environment where healthcare providers and patients work together toward shared goals.

Creating Supportive Spaces for Patients and Families

Cancer’s impact extends beyond the individual, often profoundly affecting families and caregivers. Recognizing this, people-centered care prioritizes the creation of supportive environments that address the needs of both patients and their loved ones. Treatment centers designed with families in mind can significantly reduce stress and provide a sense of comfort.

For example, Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas, Ontario, exemplifies this approach. Its thoughtfully designed spaces include areas for relaxation, social activities, and family interactions, fostering a sense of community and emotional well-being. Such facilities demonstrate how holistic care environments can improve the overall experience for patients and their families.

Leveraging Technology for People-Centered Care

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing cancer care, making it more accessible and personalized. Telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) are particularly transformative, enabling healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely, predict outcomes, and design tailored treatment plans.

AI in Oncology: AI-driven tools analyze vast datasets to deliver precise diagnoses and recommendations, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of cancer care.
Telemedicine : Remote healthcare platforms ensure that patients in underserved areas can access high-quality care without the need for extensive travel.

These innovations not only improve accessibility but also empower patients to take an active role in their treatment, reinforcing the principles of people-centered care.

Examples of Success in People-Centered Care

Several healthcare institutions have successfully implemented people-centered models. Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, for instance, offers free accommodations for families of children undergoing specialized care. By alleviating the logistical and financial burdens on families, the hospital ensures that caregivers can focus entirely on supporting their loved ones.

Overcoming Challenges to Implementation

While the benefits of people-centered care are clear, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption:

Funding Constraints : Transforming healthcare systems requires significant financial investment.
Workforce Shortages : A lack of trained healthcare professionals can delay the implementation of new care models.
Integration Issues : Poor coordination between different sectors of care can impede the delivery of comprehensive support.

Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, such as leveraging technology to reduce the burden on healthcare staff and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to create integrated care plans.

A Vision for the Future

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the integration of people-centered care in oncology will likely become more widespread. Advances in digital health, AI, and telemedicine will further enhance the ability of healthcare providers to deliver personalized, empathetic care. By placing individuals at the center of treatment, healthcare systems can ensure that each patient’s unique needs are met, fostering better outcomes and a more compassionate healthcare experience.

The future of cancer care lies in not just curing the disease but also caring for the person behind the diagnosis. Through empathy, innovation, and collaboration, we can create a healthcare environment that truly supports the holistic needs of cancer patients and their families, transforming the journey of cancer treatment into one of dignity, respect, and hope.