World Cancer Day: Why more patients are choosing clinical treatment at home
World Cancer Day, marked across the world on 4 February, is a moment for us all to pause and reflect. The theme for 2025-2027, ‘United by Unique’, places people at the centre of care, recognising that while cancer touches millions, every individual’s experience is different.
For many patients and their families, a cancer diagnosis brings so many questions. ‘What treatment do I need?’ is usually the first. But another in the changing the landscape of oncology: ‘Where can I receive my treatment?’
Traditionally, cancer treatment has been provided in a hospital environment. However, for a growing number of patients, there is another way. Clinical treatment outside of hospital is now an alternative for many, offering clinical expertise within the comfort of your own home.
Clinical treatment outside of hospital
The sheer logistics of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Regular trips to the hospital, finding parking, sitting in waiting rooms, and the journey home while feeling fatigued, they all take time and energy.
Treatment at home removes the strain of unnecessary travel, car parking and hospital visits, freeing up time for patients to prioritise family life and work. From referral right through to treatment, Lloyds Clinical provide a consistent and supportive journey.
What is cancer treatment at home?
There is often a misconception that treatment at home is somehow inferior to hospital care. Instead of travelling to a chemotherapy day unit, a highly trained cancer nurse comes to you. They bring all the necessary equipment to administer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive therapies safely in your home.
Our clinical teams work in partnership with hospital consultants. Our highly trained oncology nurses and clinical nurse specialists provide a tailored approach to ensure patients receive the specialised care they need. Our nurses are highly trained and experienced cancer specialists. We deliver 1-2-1 clinical treatment at home, with the equipment to respond as they would in hospital.
The benefits of cancer treatment at home
Why are so many patients and families asking about private cancer treatment at home? The reasons are often deeply personal, but they tend to fall into three key areas.
1. Take back precious time and energy
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. The physical exertion of travelling to and from appointments can exacerbate this, leaving patients with little energy for anything else. By removing the travel, patients can save their energy for what matters to them – whether that’s spending time with children, working, or simply resting in the comfort of their own home.
2. Reduced anxiety and increased comfort
Hospitals, by their nature, can be stressful places. Receiving treatment in a familiar environment, with your own kettle nearby and the ability to watch your own TV or listen to music, can significantly lower stress levels.
3. Protection and safety
For patients with compromised immune systems due to chemotherapy, avoiding crowded waiting rooms is a significant health benefit. Home care naturally reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections and seasonal viruses, providing a safer ‘bubble’ for vulnerable patients.
Is cancer treatment at home safe?
Lloyds Clinical work to the highest standards of safety and governance. Our highly trained cancer nurses have the experience and equipment to administer treatment and manage side effects as if you were in hospital.
In addition, digital technology allows health professionals to track patient’s treatment and interact with our clinical teams in real time. Consultants can log in, check a patient’s blood results and assessments easily and make requests for tests or information easily.
With 24/7 access to clinical support, you are never on your own – expert advice is always just a phone call away.
How to access cancer care at home
If you or a loved one feels that the benefits of cancer care at home could improve your quality of life, the first step is a conversation.
Speak to your consultant
Ask if your specific treatment plan is suitable for home administration. Many chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens are perfectly safe for home delivery.
Check your insurance
If you have private medical insurance, check your policy. Many insurers now recognise the value of clinical care at home and cover these services as standard.
Explore self-pay options
For those without insurance, there are often self-pay routes available for private cancer support at home.
We know the benefits of cancer care at home
Our specialist cancer services ensure private medically insured and self-paying patients who want an alternative to hospital can start their treatment faster. We consider all cancer treatments, including those not currently available in hospitals.
