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The burden of cancer cases is rising in India and so is the strain on healthcare systems. Prolonged treatment duration, multiple visits, traveling long distances, and high costs are significant challenges faced by cancer patients.

Advancements in digital health (telemedicine) has ushered in a new era of patient care. It has significantly improved the accessibility and affordability of cancer care in India. Though digital health interventions are not new, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its use.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a technology that allows doctors, other members of the healthcare team, and patients to meet virtually over the phone or video chat to discuss various aspects of disease3. Also, it is the use of digital platforms to spread awareness, educate people, and provide counselling1.

What is the aim of telemedicine?

The main goal of telemedicine is to make cancer care more accessible and reduce treatment costs and unnecessary hospital visits.

Where can telemedicine be used in for cancer care?

For cancer care, telemedicine can be used as a mode of for pre-consultation prior to schedule your first appointments.

1. To schedule further appointments or referrals.
2. To monitor cancer treatment and treatment-related side-effects.
3. To discussing lab tests or scans and other important parts of cancer care like, discussing diet plans and healthy lifestyle changes.

Can telemedicine be used for the prevention of cancer?

It can work as an effective tool in the prevention of cancer by creating awareness among large populations, providing self-education material, and genetic counseling.

How effective is telemedicine during the actual treatment process?

Telemedicine can save a lot of time and reduce hospital visits if used for pre-treatment counseling after the first physical visit. Timely access to doctors from the comfort of their homes provides a high level of satisfaction to patients. Patients and caregivers can get detailed information regarding surgery, dos and don'ts, before and after the surgery via teleconsultation.The process of chemotherapy, radiation therapy its benefits, side effects and general precautions can be reinforced through teleconsultation. It also reduces the risk of infections by limiting visits to overcrowded OPDs.

What is the role of telemedicine in post-treatment cancer care?

Cancer patients require long-term integrated care, including physical and emotional management, as well as guidance on lifestyle modification. Telemedicine offers that care on a single digital platform. Scheduling follow-up appointments, review of scan reports, physiotherapy, diet and nutritional counseling, emotional support, and counseling can all be done just on a video conference without any compromise. Post treatment review of treatment plan and expectations, assessment of side-effects if any, prescribing supportive medicines or stoppage of medicine due to toxicity can also be managed by telemedicine.

Telemedicine offers promising potential in cancer care. Embracing this technology provides an excellent platform for spreading awareness and educating patients and caregivers. It enhances treatment adherence and alleviates the financial burden on both cancer patients and healthcare systems. Improved, hassle-free access to quality cancer care through telemedicine has proven to be highly beneficial for patients and caregivers.

Dr Vashishth Maniar
MD DM ECMO
Consultant Cancer Physician
M | O | C Cancer Care & Research Centre