By Sigal Atzmon
India faces significant challenge of a sizeable cancer incidence burden which unfortunately continues to grow. Further, India has a poor early cancer detection rates which are significantly lesser than that in , the UK, US and China.
While at one hand incidence is rising, deaths due to cancer has remained among the top 5 causes of deaths in India over the last decade. Estimates indicate that the total deaths due to cancer have been ~8 to 9 lakh in 2020, causing the mortality to incidence ratio for different cancer types in India being among the poorest compared to global counterparts.
Based on reported cancer incidence and mortality across age groups and years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL) due to the same, estimates indicate that the economic burden in terms of GDP losses is in the range of US$11B. (0.4% of national GDP) in 2020.The same is projected to increase to US$36B to US$40B by 2030, driven by a projected increase in mortality, improvement in life expectancy and increase in GDP per capita.
Given the current state of rising cancer disease burden, alongside high inequality of care and sub-optimal quality of outcomes, the clear need close the gap in Cancer prevention, personalised screening and treatment, has never been more imminent.
Our experience clearly shows how cancer diagnoses propel individuals into a swirling blizzard of complex and often stressful information: treatment options, dietary adjustments, insurance intricacies, and emotional turmoil. Navigating through this intricate journey alone can be overwhelming, emphasising the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach wherein a diverse cadre of healthcare professionals collaborates to customise and optimise care.
In a landscape where 24% of Indian oncologists treat over 1,000 new cases annually and with the abundance of treatment pathways to choose from, patients are left with a clear need for additional guidance and support.
Imagine a cancer patient’s journey as akin to navigating a hazardous mountain snowstorm. The deluge of treatment options, voluminous paperwork, and emotional anxieties can be confusing and demoralising. Analogous to a Sherpa guiding mountain climbers through perilous terrain, case managers emerge as steadfast companions, aiding patients in navigating the uncertainties and intricacies of their journey.
These dedicated case managers go beyond information management. Picture them not as solitary sherpas but as a global network of guides connecting the cancer patient with specialists worldwide. This team comprised of a dedicated Case Doctor, Case Nurse and Medical Coordinator working in collaboration with medical oncologists, oncosurgeons, radiation oncologists, geneticists, pain specialists, medical physicists, nutritionists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other clinical experts, leverages its global presence to tap into the latest most advanced medical technologies,, treatments, clinical trials, treatment protocols, and research advancements in cancer care locally and across the globe. This comprehensive and holistic perspective enables them to craft a precise and personalised treatment plan that accommodates each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
The case management teams does not merely react to changes; it proactively monitors patient progress, anticipates potential challenges, and adjusts the treatment plan as needed. This proactive approach can prevent unnecessary treatments, effectively manage side effects, and ultimately enhance overall treatment outcomes, save lives Empowered by cutting-edge digital and data tools, the case management team acts as a sophisticated forecasting system, meticulously analysing data, predicting potential opportunities, challenges and complications, and suggesting optimal routes through the treatment journey.
At Medix, we have significant experience in supporting cancer patients with an average of 20% of our cases worldwide being in the oncology field.
The impact and improvement in medical outcomes that we have demonstrated speaks for itself. In 7.8% of the oncology cases managed, we changed the diagnosis and helped reach the accurate diagnosis. This includes, he type or subtype of cancer, staging of the tumour or extreme cases in which the patient was wrongly diagnosed and did not have cancer at all. In 54.1% of the cases, our specialists have recommended a different and more optimal, personalised treatment regimen. In 11.5% of the cases we helped, our patients avoid significant unnecessary treatment, procedures or surgery that was either not in line with the medical guidelines or not indicated for their condition.
The imperative for a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach in cancer care extends beyond the addition of more doctors. It involves recognising the immense value of professionals like cancer case managers, who implement an holistic approach, bridge communication gaps, and empower patients to traverse their journey with clarity, confidence, and hope as we deliver proven better medical outcomes.
In the relentless snowstorm of cancer, they become the Sherpa, the beacon, the unwavering companion, and ultimately, the silent heroes guiding patients through the storm towards the summit of recovery.
Beyond the improved cancer outcomes, the relieved and supported patients, the impact of such approach the reduces inequalities of care and helps close the cancer gap across India.
(The author is a CEO & Founder, Medix Global. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)
