From the moment a patient hears the words “you have cancer,” all the way through to survivorship, they cope with pain, stress and side effects from treatment. Some of this can be the result of a lack of coordination between the doctors, nurses and other professionals who treat the patient, or a lack of understanding regarding the need for palliative care. Our lawmakers can help change that. 

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, and is appropriate for any age and any stage of a disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family by relieving stress and other symptoms that come along with a serious diagnosis.

Palliative care sees the person beyond the cancer treatment, because it treats the patient as well as the disease. It’s a big shift in focus for health care delivery ”“ and it works.

Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ staff to urge her to support legislation in Congress that would improve access to palliative care through an increase in research, training and public outreach. We can help improve the quality of life for families fighting cancer, and we have the responsibility to do so.

Peggy Belanger, volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Old Orchard Beach