Polarization of cancer patient management

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2017;60(3):223-227

Publication date (electronic) : 2017 March 23

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2017.60.3.223

Ku Sang Kim, MD

Breast-Thyroid Center, Ulsan City Hospital, Ulsan City Hospital Group, Ulsan, Korea.

Corresponding author: Ku Sang Kim. ideakims@gmail.com

Received 2017 January 12; Accepted 2017 January 28.

Abstract

The polarization of cancer patient management is rooted in aspects of the Korean health care system, so a solution to this problem should be introduced on the basis of systemic guidelines that shape national policy. Strengthening the capacity of regional cancer centers by establishing organizations of large-scale cancer hospitals, cancer rehabilitation hospitals, and local primary care clinics could be another approach to solving this problem. Large-scale cancer hospitals should pay attention to patient education regarding life after cancer treatment and should provide close assistance to patients. Cancer rehabilitation hospitals should focus on cancer rehabilitation, not unproven therapies. The systematic cooperation of large-scale cancer hospitals, cancer rehabilitation hospitals, and local primary care clinics is of the utmost important for patients.

Keywords: Neoplasms; Hospitals; Rehabilitation; Delivery of health care

Acknowledgement

I thank Juyeon Hong in Dr. Kim's Clinic, Sung Eun Hwang in Gaeun Hospital, Jae Yang Lim in Dr.Lim's Breast Clinic, Sungwoon Im in Abnova Korea, Tae Guk Ha in Pogeunhanmam Hospital, Editorial Committee in Korean Society of Surgical Oncology, and Korean Breast Cancer Survivorship Research Group for their assistance of excellent comments.

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