Patients' Steps for Staying Cancer Free
Steps Women Can Take to Remain Cancer Free
Research, as discussed in this report, clearly shows that cancer recurrence is an important issue for women who have had early breast cancer. It is critical that women who have had early breast cancer discuss their risk of recurrence frankly and completely with their health care professionals. Some advocates of women with breast cancer recommend that this discussion take place frequently and as early as possible so that it becomes an integral part of the entire treatment and wellness program, rather than a frightening "add on." But it is important to remember that given the complexities of communication about the risk of breast cancer recurrence, the onus for this discussion does not only rest with women, but with health care professionals as well if truly open and informed communication is to take place. Additionally, research shows that patients experience health benefits from an engagement in the process with their health care professional that leads to an agreed management plan 62
If women with breast cancer are to be active and informed participants in the decision-making process, they must understand their prognosis, the probable benefit of all of the given therapy options available to them, as well as the cost and potential side effects of these therapies. 55 Treatment programs are entirely individual.
Each woman, with the help of her health care professionals, needs to be armed with her personal risk information if she is to work collaboratively with her physicians to make informed decisions about treatment. Without an understanding of risk, the full spectrum of treatment options might not be considered. Therefore, it is essential to understand how risk is being communicated and how it is being perceived in order to create models that will best serve patient and physician decision-making around cancer, and in this discussion, early breast cancer. Women should be encouraged and empowered to talk to their medical oncologist, in particular, about steps they can take to prevent a recurrence.
According to the Roper survey, when gathering information about risk of recurrence, many women look to magazines and newspapers, the Internet and medical references to find information beyond that which their health care professional provided. Only a small percentage look to support groups and/or cancer societies. 22
However, since technical information provided to women with early breast cancer from some of these sources may not provide the most comprehensive and balanced information, it is important to find ways to reach women with early breast cancer through a range of information channels. As such, tools such as the following, which will be located on this web-site, may help women seeking information participate even more effectively in their treatment.
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