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Table of Contents
A report on the multidisciplinary and personalized approach to cancer treatment at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Saint-Pierre,Réunion Island,published in observance of Pink October.
The Announcement and Initial Support
The CHU de Saint-Pierre prioritizes a multidisciplinary and personalized approach to cancer care, begining with the critical moment of diagnosis. Dr. Johanna Lemaître, a surgery-senologist at the South CHU gynecology service, emphasizes the importance of clear dialog. “Once a definitive diagnosis is established, an ad consultation takes place with the doctor and the specialist concerned,” she explains.”The principle is to explain the diagnosis, what cancer is, and how we plan to treat it.” This initial consultation, while often daunting for patients, is a pivotal step in their journey.
Recognizing the emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis, the CHU offers a second consultation with a dedicated nurse specializing in announcement and paramedical follow-up. “The initial announcement consultations are dense, with a lot of information that can be arduous to absorb,” Dr. Lemaître notes. “The appointment with the nurse allows patients to revisit the diagnosis, obtain answers to their questions, and receive reassurance.” This dual approach – physician explanation followed by nursing support - aims to address both the medical and emotional needs of patients.
Personalized Care Planning: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Multidisciplinary Consultation Meeting (MCM)
Following the initial consultations, a collaborative process begins. An MCM brings together oncologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, and other relevant specialists to determine the optimal treatment strategy for each patient. “We then provide the patient with a personalized care plan detailing the chosen treatments and their sequence,” explains Dr. lemaître.
This personalized plan is crucial. Such as, in breast cancer cases, the plan might involve surgery followed by radiotherapy, with chemotherapy potentially added depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer. The MCM ensures that all aspects of the patient’s case are considered,leading to a tailored treatment approach.
The benefits of this multidisciplinary approach are significant. It allows for a more holistic understanding of the patient’s condition, reduces the risk of conflicting treatment recommendations, and ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective care.
Streamlining Care with the Day Hospital
the CHU de Saint-Pierre is actively working to improve the patient experience by expanding its day hospital services. This development aims to reduce wait times, minimize hospital stays, and provide more convenient access to treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A more efficient day hospital will further streamline the care pathway,making it easier for patients to navigate their treatment journey.
Understanding Cancer Types and Treatment Options
While the article focuses on the general approach at CHU de Saint-pierre,it’s vital to understand the diversity of cancers and their corresponding treatments. The following table provides a brief overview of common cancer
