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JUNE 16, 2023
AIKEN-AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED IN 2006
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THE C WORD
une is National Cancer Survivor Month. “More than 18 million Americans with a history of invasive cancer were alive on January 1, 2022,” the American Cancer Society (ACS) reports.1 This edition of The C Word pays tribute to the millions of people whose lives changed when their cancer was discovered, who received or are receiving therapy, and who are survivors. It also honors the families, caregivers, and providers who journeyed with them. Despite the ever-increasing number of survivors, an estimated 608,820 cancer deaths will occur in 2023, equating to 1,670 cancer deaths each day. For many people recently diagnosed with cancer or those undergoing cancer treatments, concerns about their quality of life often arise and can parlay into tough decisions about seeking or continuing treatment. For some terminally ill cancer patients, decisions to discontinue treatment can be heartwrenching. For others, the decision may offer relief for both the patient and their families. Fortunately, palliative care clinicians, nurse navigators, psychological oncologists, social workers, and pastoral care professionals help patients, and their families explore concerns, patient preferences, and end-of-life options.
“The C Word” is a newsbrief of the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University.
“We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.”
Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States
AUGUSTARX.COM
What is the Difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care? Palliative care and hospice care are often confused. As shown in the illustration, both types of care aim to improve an ill person’s quality of life and to alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress.2 Both services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The purpose of Palliative Care Hospice Care palliative care is to provide supportive care as part of treatment but if the decision to discontinue treat• Used once your ment is made, palliative care can condition is • Focuses on transition to hospice care. Hospice • Used at any point considered improving after diagnosis care, while a supportive service, is terminal quality of life • Is paired with rendered when a patient’s progno• Alleviates • You usually must treatment of your sis of survival is poor or during the symptoms have six months condition like pain final stages of a terminal illness, or less to live typically when conditions indicate the patient is not expected to live beyond six months. With hospice care, curative treatment is suspended, and care focuses on patient comfort and pain management. Palliative care is typically administered in the hospital or clinical setting, while hospice care can be provided at the patient’s home, in a hospice facility, or an extended living or nursing facility. For example, in February, the family of former president Jimmy Carter (age 98) announced that he had decided to forego further medical treatments and chose instead to use hospice care and spend his remaining days at home.3 Please see THE C WORD page 15
ANSWERS FOR ALL YOUR MEDICARE QUESTIONS
RENEA SOOS Renea Soos • Medicare Independent Broker
706•399•1989
Serving Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Michigan • Email: renea@soosbenefits.com
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