Comprehensive care is an approach that cares for the whole patient and all his or her needs, not just the medical and physical ones. Comprehensive care using the services of many professionals working together is the standard approach at all major medical centers that treat with cancer.
- State of the art medical diagnosis and treatment, including the chance to take part in clinical trials
- A wide range of services for patients and families, including education, counseling, support groups, advocacy, and other special programs to help improve the quality of life of patients and their families
- Referral to available local resources to help meet basic needs, such as meals, a place to stay during treatment, and transportation
- Organized efforts to help patients cope with treatment, tests, and procedures
- Advocacy programs to help with families’ financial concerns about treatment and related costs
- Ongoing research that looks at and evaluates the results of all treatments and services
