Living with a cancer diagnosis profoundly changes the lives of a person and their family. Home care for a patient with cancer must respond to complex and changing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs that evolve as the illness and treatment progress.
Managing cancer therapies at home
An increasing number of cancer treatments are delivered or continued at home: oral therapies, nutritional support and management of side effects (nausea, mucositis, febrile neutropenia and fatigue). The home oncology nurse monitors the patient, provides education about treatment and liaises with the oncologist if complications arise.
Psychological and relationship support
A cancer diagnosis often triggers anxiety, depression, fear and profound changes in body image and life plans. Psychological support integrated into home care improves quality of life and adherence to treatment. The family also needs support.
From active treatment to palliative care: a gradual transition
The move from active cancer treatment to palliative care is not a single moment but a gradual process. Continuity of home care during this transition ensures that the patient does not feel abandoned and that their needs remain central to care decisions.
📚 Scientific evidence
- Temel J.S. et al. (2010). Early palliative care for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. NEJM, 363(8):733-42.
- AIOM (2023). Linee guida tumori: terapia di supporto e cure palliative. Milano.
- FNOPI (2022). Competenze infermieristiche in oncologia. Roma.
