The Role of the Psycho-Oncology Multidisciplinary Tumor Board in Enhancing the Caregivers’ Well-Being for Cancer Patients

Abstract

Providing care to family members with prolonged illness challenges caregivers' well-being. Cancer is not just a disease, it reshapes the life of the patient and the family of the patient. The caregivers carry a heavy and unseen burden in a low-middle-income country like Pakistan, where the cancer system is already overburdened. In a research study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, it was observed that 64% of caregivers experienced a burden in the Mild to Moderate range [1].

Along with this, in another study, it was seen that fatigue was reported as the most challenging aspect by the caregivers providing support to patients receiving active radiotherapy and having an advanced cancer diagnosis [2], and about 40-70% of caregivers experienced symptoms of depression [3]. Despite the evidence highlighting the need to support caregivers' well-being, there remains a lack of resources. Therefore, integrating a psycho-oncology multi-disciplinary tumor board (MDT) in cancer care can play a pivotal role in the well-being of cancer patients and in reducing the burden on the caregivers [4].