Seek Support in Breast Cancer Care

Two seperate studies reported in March suggested women undergoing treatment for breast cancer should seek an adequate level of support if they want to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

According to researchers at North Western University in Chicago, more than half of all women had not been advised of all available surgical procedures at their initial consultation. After seeking a second opinion, 20% later changed the course of their treatment.

Researchers studied 231 patients with second stage breast cancers. 31 of the women were only offered a mastectomy where other breast-preserving procedures may have been feasible. Another 23 women were offered breast-preserving procedures despite displaying cotre-indications against such treatment.

The researchers commented that three types of surgical procedure are generally available - mastectomy, mastectomy with breast reconstruction and breast-preserving procedures where tumours are removed while preserving as much original breast tissue as possible.

Dr Monica Morrow, leading the team believes patients should at least have each of the three procuedures explained to them, whether they are appropriate or not:

"If patients do not have all three treatment options discussed, then they should consider a second opinion...or if they feel they are being pushed into a treatment they don't want".

Meanwhile, a seperate study at Georgetown MedicalCentre in Washington found that quality of care and patient satisfaction with treatment for breast cancer can be significantly improved where doctors take extra time to talk with patients and explain procedures.

Researchers studied 63 women, mostly aged over 67 who had undergone treatment for the early stages of breast cancer. Patients whose doctors had spent time talking about disease and any patient concerns where twice as likely to be satisfied with the treatment.

"A caring attitude is a strong factor for satisfaction", explained Dr Wenchi Liang, leading the study.

Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management commented: "This is what alternative medicine is all about. Palliative Care, treating the whole person and not just the disease".

"Conventional Medicine is often a conveyor-belt process and doctors don't always have the time or skills to address your emotional concerns. Treatment for cancer is a very scary experience and the worry that comes with it can have a significant impact on the outcome of your treatment".

"Complementary practitioners can't always claim to be able to cure cancer, but we can support patients through and give them the expertise and the practical and emotional support they need to deal with disease".

Friday, 24 May 2002