Rights of a minor cancer patient - how to effectively provide support and care?

- Every patient, regardless of whether he or she receives private or public health care, is entitled to a number of specific rights under the Law on Patients' Rights and Patients' Ombudsman. Among the most important are the right to health care services that correspond to current medical knowledge, the right of access to medical records, the right to information about the state of health, and the right to respect for dignity and intimacy, says Wojciech Koguciuk, legal counsel.

Right to full medical information

Every child's legal guardian has the right to be fully informed about the child's health, including diagnosis, course of illness and treatment plan. Doctors are obliged to answer questions and explain any doubts in an understandable manner. Parents also have the right to access medical records and may receive the first copy, free of charge.

- Parents also have the right to participate in the medical consilium, especially when making important treatment decisions. A parent's participation in an oncology consilium can provide not only emotional support, but also better communication with doctors, explains Professor Anna Raciborska, head of the Department of Oncology and Oncologic Surgery of Children and Adolescents at the Mother and Child Institute.

The right to consent to or refuse health care services

Caregivers have the right to co-determine their child's treatment methods. The doctor should present the available treatment options, taking into account their effectiveness, risks and possible side effects, so that parents can make an informed decision.

Children for whom standard treatment is unsuccessful can participate in clinical trials. Such trials provide access to modern therapies and diagnostics. Participation in trials requires parental consent, as well as consent from adolescent patients who are able to express it on their own.

Ability to continue the child's education during treatment

Long-term cancer treatment does not have to mean interrupting a child's education. Parents can take advantage of individual teaching at home or classes organized in hospitals. Many medical facilities offer classes and even schools where children can continue their education.

Financial support and medical equipment

According to the Law on Publicly Funded Health Care Services, insured patients are entitled to free health care services. Nevertheless, modern therapies are often not reimbursed, and parents have to take care of financing them themselves. In such cases, help is offered by various foundations that help raise money or provide medical equipment.

Psychological support and the right to respect for dignity and intimacy

Cancer is associated with tremendous stress for the child and his family. Psychological support is essential in this process. Psychooncologists help children and parents cope with the emotional aspects of treatment. Caregivers and young patients also have the right to respect for dignity, intimacy and appropriate conditions in the hospital, as well as pain management and the presence of loved ones with the patient.

How to use the help of NGOs and foundations?

There are many organizations supporting children with oncology. Foundations such as Sarcoma or Herosi offer financial assistance, medical equipment, legal and psychological support. To take advantage of such assistance, it is worth visiting the websites of these organizations and reading the terms of application.

What if the patient's rights are violated?

In the case of inadequate medical care or lack of access to eligible services, parents can complain to the facility's management or to the Patient Ombudsman. The ability to enforce rights helps to protect children more effectively and improve standards of care.

Knowing your rights is an important part of dealing with a child's cancer. With support and tools available, parents can provide the best possible care for their child.

Source: press mat.