Taking a Stand Against Cancer: Early Detection and Intervention With Innovative Therapies Brings Hope

This is the last part of the breast cancer series, but hopefully, every day, we can continue to expand awareness about the importance of routine screenings for breast cancer and other cancers, increase patient education initiatives about risk factors and preventative measures, as well as continue research efforts to learn more about the mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of cancer and continue to develop innovative therapies such as the various types of targeted therapies often prescribed for the  treatment of cancer.

Last week, my family and I received the sad news that one of our dear friends lost her battle with cancer. Our friend lived life to the fullest, was always willing to help others even when she was fighting cancer and left a lasting impression on everyone that she met. She always had a smile on her face and continually encouraged others to go after their dreams. Throughout her battle with cancer, she remained positive and stayed strong. This sad news was a reminder about the fragility of life and that every day really is a gift.

As pharmacists, we can not only provide cancer patients with information about possible therapies, but also direct them to various patient education resources and encourage them to take an active role in their cancer treatment plan and in shared decision making with their health care provider. Patients should also be encouraged to discuss any issues of anxiety and/or depression with their primary health care providers too. In a recent study published in PLOS Medicine, survivors of breast cancer were more likely to experience a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety and depression when compared to women without cancer. ¹

In a recent article published on the website for Cure magazine,  the author discussed the impact of staying positive and provided accounts from breast cancer survivors about their journeys and how they coped with dealing with cancer. Some of the excerpts published in the article can be found below:²

• "During treatment, I kept thinking, 'This too shall pass, it is just a bump in the road of my life.' Fourteen years later, I continue to work hard to not let cancer define me. I am a person who had cancer, cancer is not who I am. My self-care includes exercises to help release stress from my body, practicing my faith, counseling, coffee with friends and some hard-to-find alone time. All these things help me focus on not being defined by the fact that I am a cancer survivor. Being mentally strong takes work, and I think we don’t talk about how to do that enough." – Doris Cardwell ²
• "During treatment for breast cancer, I kept two journals: one to write in at night to chronicle the day, and one I wrote in as I sat in the infusion chair or waited for radiation. The journal I carried to the cancer center helped not only with memory and perspective but also with processing feelings right there in the moment." – Felicia Mitchell ²
• "Living with metastatic breast cancer for more than seven years, I have found keeping to a schedule or routine keeps me focused and more in control of my life. There are so many aspects of this disease that are out of my hands. A daily routine helps me to keep going and have purpose and direction in my life. I thrive on consistency, not surprises." – Marissa Holzer ²

Unfortunately, the reality is that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide and despite advances, the rates continue to increase. The promising news is that research has revealed that treatment is not a “one size fits all approach”, but rather a patient centered approach tailored to the individual patient need. Survival rates for breast cancer are climbing, due to greater awareness, early detection and advances in treatments. It is also important that more emphasis is placed on preventative strategies and taking control of modifiable risk factors to reduce the incidence of cancer. 

It is not uncommon for many individuals to take life for granted, but in the midst of life’s nonstop schedules, we must all find the time to destress, slow down and always take time to be proactive about our health as well as encourage our family and friends to do the same. If you are a cancer survivor, are battling cancer now or if you are someone caring for a family member or friend, we stand with you in your fight against cancer and wish you all the very best and send encouraging thoughts to you. If you know someone battling cancer, take the time today to send him/her some encouraging words. Also thank you to all the oncology/ hematology health care providers out there who dedicate their lives to caring for patients with cancer. 

I read a quote recently from Pablo Picasso that reminded me of our family friend. It states, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ³

Our dear family friend understood the significance of this quote and her life touched so many people. She used her talents to help others and her memory will live on in our hearts forever. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Population Health Learning Network or HMP Global, their employees, and affiliates. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, association, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

References

1. Carreira H, Williams R, Funston G, Stanway S, Bhaskaran K. Associations between breast cancer survivorship and adverse mental health outcomes: A matched population-based cohort study in the United Kingdom. PLoS Med. 2021 Jan 7;18(1):e1003504. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003504. PMID: 33411711; PMCID: PMC7822529.
2. DePace A. Here’s What Breast Cancer Survivors Had to Say About Staying Positive. Cure Magazine website. https://www.curetoday.com/view/here-s-what-breast-cancer-survivors-had-to-say-about-staying-positive  Published October 22, 2021. Accessed October 23, 2021.
3. Pablo Picasso Quotes. Good Reads.com https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/607827-the-meaning-of-life-is-to-find-your-gift-the