Polarization of cancer patient management

ABSTRACT

The polarization of cancer patient management is rooted in aspects of the Korean health care system, so a solution to this problem should be introduced on the basis of systemic guidelines that shape national policy. Strengthening the capacity of regional cancer centers by establishing organizations of large-scale cancer hospitals, cancer rehabilitation hospitals, and local primary care clinics could be another approach to solving this problem. Large-scale cancer hospitals should pay attention to patient education regarding life after cancer treatment and should provide close assistance to patients. Cancer rehabilitation hospitals should focus on cancer rehabilitation, not unproven therapies. The systematic cooperation of large-scale cancer hospitals, cancer rehabilitation hospitals, and local primary care clinics is of the utmost important for patients.