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Women demand more info on advanced breast cancer

Dubai, June 19, 2013

Nearly 45 per cent of women suffering from advanced breast cancer said it was hard to find information about the disease, revealed a survey conducted by Novartis Oncology, a medical solutions provider.

The Novartis survey entitled “Count Us, Know Us, Join Us” involved nearly 1,300 women in 12 countries.

The survey found that more than 55 per cent were able to get information on the disease but the data available was not enough to address their needs. 

Two-thirds of women with advanced breast cancer felt that no one understood what they were going through and felt isolated from the broader breast cancer movement, the survey stated.

In addition to lack of information and feelings of isolation, over 41 per cent of women found that support from friends and family waned over time. Nearly 45 per cent said that being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer has led them to volunteer or give back to the breast cancer community.

“When first diagnosed with breast cancer, women are instantly part of a vibrant breast cancer support community,” said Sandy Jaloudi, head of UAE-based Angels of Mercy Cancer Support Group. “But when their cancer metastasizes or if they are first diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, it is no longer about becoming a survivor; it’s about surviving.”

“These survey results give great insight into our global community and the reality of living with metastatic breast cancer, an incurable and deadly disease,” said Jaloudi.“It is my hope that this ignites a movement of public recognition, understanding and outreach so that the isolation and rejection our community so often encounters might become a thing of the past.”

To support women with advanced breast cancer, Novartis Oncology, along with key members of the global community, has launched a website that provides resources and support for people living with advance breast cancer.

The website also provides resources for caregivers, supporters and loved one, and it includes step-by-step guide to creating a personal plan after being diagonised, videos that offer first-person accounts of life with ABC and lists of advocacy organisations, periodicals and medical journals. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Survey | Novartis |

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