Editing Patient Pathways: Breast Cancer (section)

= Supportive activities for patients diagnosed with breast cancer =

A coordinated multidisciplinary approach to providing supportive care in healthcare settings is essential to help patients throughout their treatment journey. Such an approach significantly improves the quality of life of breast cancer patients, helping them cope with the difficulties that the disease and treatment bring. Civil society organizations, such as patient associations and cancer advocacy groups, can play a key role in informing patients about such supportive activities. Also, with the help of experts, associations can organize and provide some of the necessary support to patients in order to reduce physical, psychological, financial and professional difficulties, lack of verified and understandable information, and strengthening healthcare coordination, not only within the health system but also through activities aimed at actively involving patients in the development of better national health guidelines and policies.

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== Supportive Activities Provided by Healthcare Institutions ==

Supportive activities for breast cancer patients within the healthcare system encompass a wide range of services aimed at improving the overall quality of life for patients. In addition to healthcare, which includes regular monitoring through blood tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans, and follow-up by specialist physicians, for optimal management of physical difficulties, patients should have access to a multidisciplinary team of experts.

'''Endocrinologist:''' Management of hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems.

'''Oncologist:''' Overall cancer management.

'''Nutritionist:''' Diet counseling and weight management.

'''Surgeon:''' Surgical treatment of cancer and postoperative care.

'''Physiotherapist:''' Pain management and improved mobility.

'''Pain specialist:''' Postoperative pain control.

'''Plastic surgeon:''' Cosmetic procedures and scar management.

'''Dermatologist:''' Skin problems and hair loss.

'''Cardiologist:''' Monitoring and treatment of cardiovascular problems.

'''Ophthalmologist:''' Eye problems related to therapy.

'''Supportive Activities for Psychological Challenges'''

Patients diagnosed with cancer and their families almost inevitably face numerous psychological difficulties throughout the entire therapeutic journey. Professional psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapy, counseling with a partner, and family counseling is a key part of support for oncology patients. Also, a psychiatrist may recommend psychopharmacotherapy as a support for patients.

'''Supportive activities for providing reliable and understandable information'''

'''Informed Consent:''' The signed form is proof that the conversation in which the doctor provides information to the patient about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, risks, complications, and alternative treatments has led to mutual understanding. Detailed but easy-to-understand educational materials for patients are essential in this process, but often unavailable.

'''Right to a Second Medical Opinion:''' Guaranteed by the Patient Rights Act. The patient always has the right to seek a second medical opinion about their health status. Upon oral or written request, every healthcare professional of higher education and appropriate specialization who was not involved in the direct provision of a certain type of healthcare service to the patient is obliged to give a second medical opinion to the patient. In addition to the patient, the doctor can also initiate the procedure of seeking a second opinion. In the case of diagnosing a rare disease, the inability to find (adequate) therapy, technological equipment of the health institution that makes it impossible or difficult to establish a diagnosis or the course of therapy, doctors often seek help and confirmation from their colleagues from other institutions for the purpose of the highest quality approach to each patient.

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== Supportive activities provided by associations ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

Support related to side effects of treatment: organizing workshops and informative activities that educate patients on ways to manage side effects. Providing brochures and online resources with practical tips.

Support related to symptoms of the disease: access to medical professionals for early intervention and treatment of symptoms.

Organizing counseling centers where patients can receive advice from medical professionals and psychologists. Inclusion of medical advisors in support programs.

Support related to metabolic disorders, eating problems and lack of energy: connecting patients with nutritionists and endocrinologists through organized events and online consultations for the personalization of the patient’s diet plan and collaboration of fitness and nutrition experts for personalized recommendations for moderate exercise. Organizing practical workshops for proper nutrition, creating educational materials.

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

Offering free or subsidized psychological counseling, organizing support groups, and telephone lines for psychological support.

For depressive disorders, support in finding a psychiatrist and therapist, and cooperation between associations and them. Organizing support groups for conversation and sharing experiences.

Organizing workshops and therapy groups that focus on body positivity and accepting change. Providing free courses in meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques. Creating online resources and applications to support stress management.

Associations can organize workshops for couples, including counseling with sexual health professionals. Organizing family therapy sessions and workshops that include all family members in the support process. Connecting with peer groups and social activities. Organizing social events, online forums, and support groups where patients can connect and share their experiences.

'''Supportive activities for financial and professional challenges'''

Advice on labor rights and workplace adaptation. Providing legal advice and support for talking to employers about adapting the workplace. Organizing workshops on worker rights.

Connecting patients with financial advisors and organizing workshops on managing finances during treatment. Providing information about financial aid, organizing fundraising campaigns, and assistance in applying for financial aid. Connecting patients with social workers and providing free financial advice.

'''Supportive activities for providing reliable and understandable information necessary for informed participation in the treatment process'''

Understanding the disease and treatment: education and informational materials.

Organizing educational seminars and workshops with medical professionals.

Distribution of brochures and online resources about the disease and treatment.

'''Supportive activities for patient rights'''

Providing information on rights and social assistance options. You can find everything about patient rights at this link of the IGET association - Institute for Gastroenterological Tumors: https://iget.hr/prava-osoba-oboljelih-od-onkoloskih-bolesti/.

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