For better support
IT is hoped that advancements in the medical field will help increase breast cancer survival rates in future, but until new developments come around, non-governmental organisations, hospitals and other non-profit establishments must work diligently towards the same cause.
Breast cancer survivorship comprises various aspects such as diagnosis, necessary medical treatment, evaluation of prognosis markers, follow-up sessions to identify response to treatment and preventative steps against recurrence.
Alarmingly, there is still a need to raise awareness regarding breast cancer and convince women who have been diagnosed to seek immediate medical treatment.
Cases of women opting to undergo alternative medicine are not unusual in Malaysia, which is a fact that must change.
The rise of social media and ease of access to information on the Internet is both a blessing and curse as while information can be easily disseminated to the masses, many people are unable to separate myth from truth.
It is dangerous for anyone living with breast cancer to be relying purely on information available online as patient education needs to be tailored to her needs, condition, cancer subtype, education level, cultural sensitivity and language preference.
Information found online can be overwhelming, easily misinterpreted or hard to digest when a patient accesses it on her own, hence the need for medical practitioners to properly educate patients’ families as well.
Solidarity as a unit
Another important aspect that needs more attention is the delivery of support systems for survivors as well as family members or caregivers.
Due to the nature of the disease, patients and family members are likely to struggle to come to terms with reality, thus needing emotional and mental support.
Cancer can affect mental and emotional health in addition to physical health, causing stress not only to patients but everyone around them.
Those affected must realise that they are not alone in this battle.
Helplines run by the National Cancer Council Malaysia, National Cancer Society Malaysia and Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia enable callers to share their struggles, be they directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer.
As Malaysia does not currently have a comprehensive, nationwide aftercare programme, the onus falls on patients and family members to reach out to helplines or support groups.
The message is thus clear for all those affected by breast cancer – having open dialogue and safe spaces to share their feelings and thoughts can help them cope with the disease.