Discuss the challenges faced in the oncology field and how Dr. Kar addresses them.
With growing technological solutions and scientific advancements, cancer treatment is achieving significant milestones over the years. However, new challenges hit the cancer corridor every other day. Delay in diagnosis, financial burdens, cultural and social barriers, healthcare infrastructure among others, are few of the challenging yet complex landscape faced by oncologists everyday in delivering effective care. Discussing the key issues and factors affecting cancer treatment, Dr. Ranajit kar, a distinguished Radiation Oncologist, shares his views on this, along with puts a spotlight on how he maneuvers them to provide the best care and treatment possible for his patients.
a. Early Detection & Diagnosis:
Though with significant advancement in the field of cancer treatment, significant obstacles still prevail. And one of the major challenges is early stage detection of cancer. Without proper awareness about cancer, many patients either ignore initial symptoms or lack access to timely screenings and thus leading to advanced stage diagnosis, where treatment options are limited and many are untreatable. Discussing the same, Dr. Ranajit Kar emphasises on the importance of cancer awareness campaigns along with patient education for an early stage detection. Not just this, Dr. Kar also aims at encouraging people in undergoing regular check ups or screening to improve early stage diagnosis rates.
b. Accessibility Issues:
Though advancement in cancer treatment across India has been significant, accessibility to it remains a crucial touchpoint especially in rural and underprivileged areas of the society. Limited infrastructure, higher cost, unavailability of efficient doctors and other required man power, are few of the major issues affecting patients in the marginalised society from even getting basic treatment.
c. Insurance & Financial Issues:
With the rising cost of research, drugs along with the cost of setting up onco units, cancer treatment is becoming expensive day by day with expenses spanning from medications to radiation, chemotherapy to surgeries. Not just the underprivileged or patients from the rural communities, even middle class societies have also been witnessed to struggle with cancer treatment. Many people struggle to afford the right care due to inadequate insurance coverage or lack of financial back up. Dr. Ranajit Kar on the other hand, has started an initiative to advocate for patient friendly policies, including government subsidies, crowdfunding options and NGO collaborations to help manage treatment expenses.
d. The Mental Well-being:
Cancer not just affects physically, but it also damages the mental well being of the patients along with their family members. Among many, anxiety, depression, fear are few common symptoms seen in cancer patients and their families. Dr. Kar’s holistic care approach prioritises Integrated Psychological Counseling in his treatment plans. He focuses on the role of positivity and mental strength in better and improving treatment response and overall well-being.
e. Emerging treatment technology, regulatory approvals & high cost:
WIth evolving treatment technologies and advancement in immunotherapy, target therapy and precision medicine, cancer treatment is touching new heights. However, due to higher cost and improper regulatory approvals, integrating such technologies into mainstream treatment remains a bigger challenge. Dr. Ranajit kar, however, with his regular habit stays updated on global research and actively participates in clinical trials, ensuring his patients have access to latest and most effective treatment options possible.
Cancer is not a one day or two day treatment, it’s a continuous battle. However, with dedicated experts like Dr. Kar, patients receive proper medical care along with emotional and mental support. His battle for cancer care ensures that more patients can access better treatment and achieve better outcomes.