Doha: An optimal gynaecological cancer care pathway has enhanced patient experience and quality of service at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
The pathway is designed to promote a full understanding of the patient journey in order to foster quality cancer care from the point of diagnosis, said Dr Hind El Malik, Consultant Medical Oncologist at NCCCR.
“Suspected cancer cases, especially gynaecological cancers are seen sooner, diagnosis is more accurate and faster, care pathways are smoother and support for patients along their treatment pathway is more comprehensive,” she told The Peninsula.
“Clinical pathways for patients are a critical structural element which improves both the quality of care and the patient experience,” she added.
Patients suspected to have a malignancy by doctors at health centres or private hospitals will be immediately referred to gynaecologic oncology team in the NCCR. The first appointment will be within 48 hours, all investigations and final diagnosis will be completed within two weeks and the treatment plan will start.
“By having this well-structured tumour board and very organised pathway for the patients, all investigations and diagnosis are done within short time,” said Dr El Malik.
“The journey from suspicion to treatment is well constructed and organized to support the patient,” she added.
A team including specialised gynaecologist, surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialised nurses, patient pathway coordinators, psychologists and social worker will be assigned to each patient.
“A group of people from different areas of health care meet together every week, to discuss about care and treatment of individual patients,” said Dr El Malik.
According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, gynaecologic cancers account for 19 percent of the 5.1 million estimated new cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Gynaecological cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs.
In Qatar, the most prevalent type of gynaecological cancer is endometrial cancer among Qatari and non Qatari women.
“Around 40 to 50 new cases of gynaecological cancer are diagnosed every year. Treatment guidelines for common and rare gynaecological cancers provided at NCCCR are based on internationally accepted and advanced methods,” said Dr El Malik.
The National Cancer Framework 2017–2022 stipulates a number of recommendations for improving the cancer journey for patients and these recommendations translate to direct improvements in patient care at NCCCR.
According to Dr El Malik, all women are at risk of gynaecological cancers.
“A woman’s risk increases if there is a family history of cancer, if she is obese, if she has reached menopausal age or has the human papilloma virus (HPV). However, women can lower their risk if they know the signs and symptoms and get tested or vaccinated early. When gynaecological cancers are found early, treatment can be very effective,” she said.
