Holistic Supportive Care in Oral Cancer: Principles and Practice

Life turns turbulent with the onset of cancer. The journey is physically and emotionally draining. From the shock of diagnosis through the ups and downs of treatment, the interminable tests and procedures, the pangs and ambiguity of remission, the recurrence or advancement, the progression of one alarming symptom after another and the unwelcome reality of unresponsiveness to treatment, each demands the utmost in human endurance. Health professionals are often the only sources of trust, clarity and guidance that patients and family have. It is our prerogative to recognise and empathise with the suffering of patients, physical or otherwise, and be effective in our roles.