had been diagnosed with breast cancer At 77 years old, the treatment went well and she was safe after the mastectomy. Like a good solitary mountaineer, she returned to the mountains and little by little recovered her life. But there was one issue that this patient did not deal with well, it was something supposedly secondary: the absence of hair. Her oncologist was taken aback and even reprimanded her when she asked about the recovery of her hair, claiming that it was not important. She responded: “It matters what matters to you.”
It is common that, in the process of breast cancer, patients worry about different aspects that may seem secondary, but are not for them: «What can I eat? Can I paint my nails? Can I get a massage? Can I dye my hair? Can I have sexual relations? These are just examples of the thousands of questions that are asked in oncology consultations, or worse, that are not asked out of embarrassment and are left in doubt or a bad consultation on the Internet.
“Beyond the Mirror” is a guide created by Pfizer to provide scientific answers to some of these questions and cover the need for specific care and recommendations in patients with breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer. «Just because you give importance to the image in these processes does not mean that you are not aware of the importance of the medical process and appreciate the treatment. Improving your physique helps you feel better, improve your self-esteem, overcome possible stigma and that, scientifically proven, helps you overcome the disease,” says Dr. Alejandro Falcón, medical oncologist at the Virgen del Rocío Hospital. from Seville, one of the authors of the guide.
“No professional attention had been given before to fields such as dermatology, plastic surgery, sexual health, aesthetic medicine, oral health, gynecology, nutrition and physiotherapy, addressed in collaboration with oncologists and specialists from different areas,” summarizes Dr. Falcón. “The work has even been completed with the publication of a scientific article in an impact journal,” he adds.
The authors organized multidisciplinary meetings with specialists in physiotherapy, maxillofacial surgery and dentistry, among others, to offer recommendations based on evidence and clinical experience. The purpose of the guide is not limited to answering aesthetic questions. Crucial topics are also addressed such as impact of cancer treatment on sexual health and how patients can continue with certain image care, from facial treatments to lymphatic massages.
“It is essential to take care of the quality of life of patients and help them maintain an image as close as possible to their appearance prior to treatment,” emphasizes Dr. Alejandro Falcón.
The comprehensive approach proposed in this guide not only benefits patients, but also the professionals who accompany them in their process. Health professionals find in this tool a scientific basis that allows them to respond more accurately to the queries that arise daily. “What we are looking for is that both patients and the professionals they see have access to information quickly and easily,” says the oncologist.
The importance of personal image and self-esteem in oncological treatment has traditionally been underestimated. However, it is increasingly evident that the psychological and emotional well-being of patients is a key factor for the success of treatment. “Feeling good about themselves, recognizing themselves in the mirror, seeing that their physical appearance is still intact or that it can be improved, helps enormously in the process,” adds Dr. Falcón.
The title of the guide, “Beyond the Mirror,” reflects this holistic view of cancer treatment. It is not only about attacking the disease from a medical point of view, but about accompanying patients throughout their entire process, including those aspects that help them maintain their identity and self-esteem. This collective effort seeks to generate a positive impact on the lives of patients, promoting a better quality of life and a more comprehensive approach. Currently, the guide is now available for consultation through a QR code that is provided to patients and professionals, ensuring that everyone has access to this valuable information. It is also available on the web with you in metastatic breast cancer..
With the collaboration of Pfizer.
#Maintaining #quality #life #cancer
