Offer more patients option of home-based treatment

I was happy to read “Chemo at home helps cancer patients cut disruptions to daily life” (July 29), on cancer patients and their carers now having the choice of home-based treatment — chemotherapy by injection — instead of visiting the hospital frequently.

Besides the benefits to patients and hospitals stated in the report, carers can benefit by investing the time saved on travelling in economic activity. Any increase in income can help to support the family.

Being able to receive treatment more comfortably and lead their lives normally empowers patients to feel less like one. They may feel happier and dread their treatment less. Mentally healthier patients could even be treated more effectively.

Since treatment at home is beneficial, it should be offered to more people, or more resources can be channelled to these programmes, which I hope can become an option for other illnesses requiring regular treatments.