Striving Towards People-Centred Cancer Care

Imagine a world where every individual battling cancer feels truly understood, cared for, and supported in every possible way. This isn’t just a dream but a vision driving the theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027, \"United by Unique. This campaign emphasizes the need to embrace the individuality of each patient, honouring their stories, experiences, and needs. It challenges us, as oncologists, to rethink cancer care through a lens of empathy, understanding, and personalized support. On many occasions, I have had the opportunity to witness the profound impact of compassionate, people-centred care on the lives of patients and their families. Let me take you on a journey into what this approach truly means and why it is so critical. People-centred cancer care is not merely about treating the tumour; it’s about treating the person. It requires looking beyond diagnostic reports and clinical protocols to understand the individual sitting across the consultation table. Each patient comes with unique fears, hopes, priorities, and circumstances that shape their journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. In practical terms, this approach means listening deeply to patients, respecting their values, and involving them in shared decision-making. It is about empowering them with knowledge, addressing their questions, and acknowledging their right to make informed choices about their care. When patients feel heard and valued, their trust in the treatment process grows, and so does their resilience.