Amrita Hospital takes a significant step forward in cancer care with the introduction of Amrita Jeevanam, a pioneering Cancer Wellness Program. This initiative is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of cancer survivors, focusing on the crucial phase post-treatment.
Amrita Jeevanam offers personalized support, education, and tools to guide individuals through the transition from active treatment to survivorship and wellness. The program covers a spectrum of care, addressing both physical and emotional challenges faced by cancer survivors.
"Approximately 30% of survivors may face common challenges such as sleeplessness and fatigue. To address these issues, we've instituted a comprehensive cancer survivor care program. Many survivors also contend with anxiety, depression, and the fear of cancer recurrence, leading to the establishment of an integrated cancer survivor clinic. Our approach incorporates holistic practices like yoga, meditation massage therapies , panchakarma, acupuncture and Shirodhara", stated Dr. Pavithran K., Professor & Head of the Department of Medical Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi.
The Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guidelines suggests that acupuncture and yoga benefits joint pain experienced by breast cancer patients, and acupuncture beneficial for other cancer pain.
"While follow-up clinics are rare in India, they are commonplace in other countries. During these check-ups, a screening questionnaire helps identify survivors' needs, directing them to appropriate specialties for targeted support,"he added
The Key Components of Amrita Jeevanam are
- Psycho-oncology (Counseling and Emotional Support)
- Cardio-oncology - Cardiology Care
- Onco Nephrology
- Dermatology and Skin Care
- Lymphedema Care
- Swallowing Therapy
- Fertility
- Genetic Testing and Counseling
- Integrative Medicine Therapies
- Nutrition
- Palliative Care and Pain Management
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Rehabilitation and Exercise
- Tobacco Cessation
- Spiritual Care
“We looked at how Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle intervention can address some of the cancer survivorship problems faced by breast cancer patients. There is an interest in exploring what complementary and alternative medicine can offer for such patients in the University of California, San Francisco, a team of researchers. The study indicates that Ayurvedic intervention is very promising and should be explored further. With the goal of the challenges faced by cancer survivors, a Wellness Program for cancer survivors is being initiated at the Department of Integrative Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, in collaboration with the Amrita School of Ayurveda. In this program, various treatment packages addressing specific challenges faced by cancer survivors will be offered. There is a lot of scope for integrating Ayurveda into modern oncological care to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.”, Dr.Ram Manohar, Amrita School of Ayurveda.
Cancer survivors often encounter a transformative experience, and Amrita Jeevanam acknowledges this journey by supporting individuals in finding a "new normal." This process is unique for each survivor and may extend over months or even years.
The program emphasizes the importance of adjusting to life after treatment, encouraging reflection on personal goals and priorities. Taking each day as it comes, survivors are guided to manage their wellness through healthy lifestyle practices and seeking support when needed.
Addressing the common fear of cancer recurrence, Amrita Jeevanam equips survivors with strategies to manage anxiety and cultivate a positive outlook on life. The program aims to be a holistic companion for individuals navigating life post-cancer treatment.
