JCS Medical Oncology

The main function of the Oncology Patient Manager is to guide the whole pathway and process of the cancer patient, from diagnosis to the follow-up phase. They are the link between the patient and the health units (services, doctors and nurses) and also speed up all the associated bureaucratic process.

It is also responsible for accompanying the patient throughout his journey, providing him with all the necessary help, keeping him informed about his rights, such as tax benefits, and speeding up the scheduling of medical acts and respective authorisations with the responsible financial entities. This accompaniment allows the patient and his family to focus essentially on his treatment, acting as support for the patient and his family.

The manager and the patient have a close relationship and whenever the patient feels the need to talk about something, he or she can contact the manager directly, without the need to call a general helpline.

Our Oncology Centres are specialised units for comprehensive oncological care, which are integrated into our various clinics. In them, we bring together multidisciplinary teams and all the specialised resources to provide 360º personalised care to patients with breast cancer.

In our Cancer Centres we offer a complete service, from diagnosis to treatment, systemic therapies (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy), radiotherapy and surgery. Our patients also benefit from the latest scientific research, which allows us to offer cancer patients the most advanced treatments with state-of-the-art technology.

With this 360º monitoring, we provide the most effective care and its continuity, which means that patients receive care from the same team of specialists throughout their oncological journey, allowing them to achieve the best possible results.

Cancer screening is a process of detecting cancer before symptoms appear. The early detection of cancer is a key factor to increase the chances of successful treatment.

In Portugal, recommendations vary according to the type of cancer. For example, the Portuguese Oncology Society recommends that, from the age of 50, men have regular prostate exams and women have regular breast exams.

In addition, from the age of 25, cervical screening is recommended every 3 years. It is important to talk to your doctor about your health history and any other risk factors you may have, so that the best advice can be recommended to you, taking into account the prevention of cancerous disease.

Yes, it is possible to have behaviours that can help prevent cancer. Adopting certain lifestyle habits and getting regular screenings, can lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Some behaviours that can help prevent cancer include:

• Following a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats
• Staying physically active at a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoid environmental toxins and pollutants as much as possible
• Get safe exposure to sunlight
• Maintain a healthy mental state by reducing stress and getting enough sleep
• Have regular screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, as appropriate for your age and risk factors

It is important to note that these behaviours can help prevent cancer, but do not guarantee it. It is also important to talk to your doctor to find out what types of cancer you may be at risk for and what preventative measures are appropriate for you.

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal growth and division of cells in the body. Its development can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some cancers have a strong hereditary component, which means that they can run in the same family and are caused by specific genetic mutations that are passed down from generation to generation.

Examples of hereditary cancers include breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer. However, not all cancers are hereditary and many cases are caused by environmental factors, or risky behaviour.

At JCS Medical Oncology we offer a wide range of support services for cancer patients. We have a multidisciplinary team of health professionals from various areas and medical specialties, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses, who work together to provide comprehensive and personalized care to patients.

At Joaquim Chaves, this personalization of care is a key aspect of the service we provide to those who entrust their health to us. Each patient's treatment plan is adapted to their specific type and stage of cancer, as well as to their general health and personal preferences.

In our clinics we also provide support specialties, which focus on psychological and nutritional counselling, physiotherapy, and protection from the possible side effects of certain therapies.

In addition, our patients also have the support of the Oncology Patient Manager to help them deal with any needs and questions they may have during the oncology treatment and follow-up phase.