Amy Berman Featured in Oncology Nursing News on Choosing Palliative Care and an Active Life
Senior program officer Amy Berman was featured in the March 2014 issue of Oncology Nursing News about her choice for palliative care after being diagnosed with stage four inflammatory breast cancer three years ago. The article focused on what it means to have "Better Health, Better Care, and Lower Costs" when chosing the path of palliative care and an active life.
In the March 2014 issue of Oncology Nursing News, senior program officer Amy Berman discussed her choice in "Embracing Palliative Care and an Active Life" after being diagnosed with stage four inflammatory breast cancer. Three years later, her choice for patient-centered care has allowed her to lead an active and productive life.
As the population with cancer ages, creating a better system for delivering cancer care also implies creating a new value proposition. With 10,000 people turning 65 every day, the seniors at the older end of the spectrum are accounting for more and more of today's cancer diagnoses. According to Berman, the value proposition comes when the patient gets all the information and is part of the decision. And, research shows that people choose less aggressive treatment when they are given the full picture of their illness.
"People actually do live longer when you focus on pain and symptoms and quality of life," she said. "I jet-skied to the Statue of Liberty this summer. I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China twice. I work, I play; I have a very good life, and I am getting treatment.”
To read the rest of the featured article on "Better Health, Better Care, and Lower Costs," click here.
