Legislation needed on patient comfort

"I'm focused on getting through today." It's a phrase anyone who has battled cancer is familiar with.

The physical and mental side effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. Even after treatment, many survivors deal with chronic pain and other ailments as a result of their cancer journey.

But we can ease some of that pain. Our lawmakers can help make getting through today a little easier. By supporting legislation in Congress to increase access to and awareness of a specialized type of medical care called palliative care, lawmakers can improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Palliative care works to treat the whole person, not just the disease, by making coordination of their care standard protocol during their treatment.

It's provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together to deliver an extra layer of support to the patients and their families. Along with curative care, this team works to manage pain, fear, anxiety and other symptoms related to a cancer diagnosis.

Palliative care is one of the fastest-growing trends in health care in the last 10 years, and it works. Research shows palliative care leads to increased patient and family satisfaction and can decrease the time spent in intensive care units and the likelihood patients will be readmitted.

So for all the cancer patients and survivors working hard to get through today, our U.S. senators and congressmen should support legislation to improve their quality of life.

Marcia Moore

Lake Forest