Editing Patient Pathways: Breast Cancer (section)

== Challenges during treatment ==

'''Physical Challenges'''

Arthralgia, myalgia, Bone loss, heart dysfunction, chronic hair loss and thinning, dry mucous membranes (oral, genital, conjunctival), nutritional problems (eg, weight gain), secondary hematological malignancies (or other secondary cancers).

'''Nutritional problems:''' Difficulty eating due to nausea, loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing.

'''Weight changes:''' weight gain or loss due to hormonal changes.

Scars from surgical procedures can affect appearance and self-confidence.

'''Cardiovascular problems:''' hormonal imbalances can affect the heart.

'''Hair loss:''' may occur due to radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

'''Skin problems:''' dry skin, itching or rash due to therapy.

'''Eye problems:''' Dry eyes or irritation due to radiation therapy.

'''Metabolic problems:''' changes in metabolism due to hormone therapy.

'''Psychological Challenges'''

'''Fear and anxiety:''' fear of the disease, treatment, side effects, and uncertainty of outcome, anxiety related to regular check-ups and fear of recurrence.

'''Depression:''' feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in everyday activities, isolation.

'''Changes in body image:''' discomfort due to physical changes, such as scars or weight changes.

'''Treatment-related stress:''' Psychological stress due to intensive treatments and their impact on everyday life.

'''Relationship with partner:''' sexual problems, decreased libido, and emotional distance due to illness.

'''Family relationships:''' tensions within the family due to stress, changes in roles and responsibilities.

'''Social Isolation:''' withdrawal from social activities due to fatigue, discomfort, or fear of exposure to infections during therapy.

'''Financial and Professional Challenges'''

Reduced ability to work due to fatigue, side effects of treatment, and emotional problems.

'''Absences from work:''' frequent medical visits and treatments that require absences from work, which can affect career and financial stability.

High costs of medicines, surgeries, therapies and other medical services, travel and accommodation costs for patients who have to travel to health centers.

Reduced income due to reduced work capacity or job loss.

Ongoing costs associated with long-term follow-up and maintaining health.

'''Lack of information'''

Need to understand complex medical information and make informed decisions.

Difficulties in making treatment decisions due to lack of reliable and understandable information or conflicting advice.

Unawareness of patient rights.

Lack of information about healthcare providers during treatment.

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