Through Patricia B. MirasolProducer
Survivorship care — or the physical, psychosocial, non-medical and economic impact of each person living with or after a cancer diagnosis — is an underrepresented part of the disease’s journey, breast cancer survivors said at an Oct. 4 forum by the nun -profit organization profit Foundation ICanServe (ICS).
Survivorship care aims to prevent and control the adverse effects of treatment, and may include chronic fatigue, loss of bone density, and financial toxicity.
“Many think that after radiotherapy, after chemotherapy, tapos na [it’s done]”, said Doris Nuval of the ICS board of directors. “That’s just the beginning.”
Survival begins at the time of diagnosis, according to Dr. Don S. Dizon, director of medical oncology at Rhode Island Hospital and a specialist in women’s cancer.
“You are not the ‘only’ survivor; it includes your family, friends and loved ones,” he said at the Oct. 4 event.
The four essential components of aftercare, he said, are:
- detection and surveillance of recurrent or new cancers;
- intervention for the long-term and late effects of cancer;
- prevention of recurring or new cancers; And
- coordination among providers to ensure all health needs are met.
“This fourth is critical because if you have had breast cancer, you are less likely to be screened for colon cancer. You’re also less likely to get the flu shot because no one has taken that care,” said Dr. Dizon.
Cancer survivors will have to adjust to their new normal, which may include the long-term complication of fatigue.
“One way to manage fatigue and not just accept it as a known complication is to correct underlying factors, such as anemia,” said Dr. Dizon. “Also maintain or increase physical activity and receive psychological support.”
Trust what your body tells you, he also told the audience.
“The way someone looks and feels good says something,” he said. “Bone pain that wakes you up at night is something you should talk to your doctor about.”
“If your doctor doesn’t answer the questions you’re concerned about,” he added, “don’t be afraid to say, ‘I think I’ll be back.’ That will lead to more direct conversations.”
The World Health Organization reported 33,079 new cases of breast cancer in the Philippines in 2022 – one of the highest in Asia.
A study by the Philippine Cancer Society and the Department of Health’s Rizal Cancer Registry documented 1,615 breast cancer patients in 2009, indicating an increase in incidence between 1980 and 2022.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.