World Breast Cancer Day: Our commitment to awareness and ongoing support
On October 19th, and as every year, at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), World Breast Cancer Day is celebrated.
Given that this cancer is the most common in the female population worldwide , both in developed and developing countries, we know that early detection remains essential to improve the prognosis and thus the survival of our patients.
Therefore, the goal is to promote awareness among the population so that an increasing number of women attend the appropriate check- ups.
World Breast Cancer Day 2020: pandemic context
As we all know, this year has been very difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic . It is known to have affected the care provided to cancer patients.
During the most critical months, the impact was very varied, to the point that in some services there was an almost total shutdown of healthcare activity.
This level of care was practically reduced across all specialties involved in Breast Units, including diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, surgery, and cancer treatments, for several reasons:
- The thought that cancer patients are vulnerable and as a precautionary measure, its attention had to be reduced.
- PPE shortage (personal protective equipment) or drugs.
- Saturation of the healthcare system and low in the staff.
World Breast Cancer Day and Women's Unity in Times of Covid-19
There is always something to learn from all of this, keeping in mind that the recovery phase is expected to be a long process.
At the Women's Unit of the Ruber International Hospital, we have continued to provide care to our patients to the extent possible and permitted:
- La virtual communication through the Internet and telephone were implemented immediately.
- The patient care protocols And all circuits have been updated daily. The main objective is to guarantee the safety of both professionals and patients.
- The Screening programs from the clinics, together with the diagnostic imaging service, were activated immediately with the end of the state of alarm. Likewise, the routine surgical activity.
A message of reassurance
It is important to convey calm and confidence to patients so that they attend appointments without fear of contracting the coronavirus infection.
As well as encouraging them to always do so with the recommended protective measures: masks, hygiene, safety distance, etc.
Please don't skip your routine check-ups . And, of course, contact your specialists if you have any questions or notice any warning signs.
This fight must continue, and research and resources dedicated to breast cancer must not cease. Likewise, our work to raise awareness among women in the general population, and of course, to help them, will not stop either.
Article published by Dr. Mª Esther Suárez Agustín.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert on this topic, please do not hesitate to call us -917303673- or make an appointment at the Women's Unit of the Ruber International Hospital in Madrid.
