A diagnosis of breast cancer often follows rollercoaster full of emotions. In addition to concerns about the treatment, there are questions about the future. As an oncological surgeon in the Mamma outpatient clinic of the Groene Hart Hospital Eugenie Linthorst sees that breast cancer is becoming increasingly treatable. “We now detect breast cancer much earlier.”
October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Eugenie explains why this is still important. “This month is a great time to let people know where they can go if they discover abnormalities in their breast. Awareness is important, also to spread the word breast cancer is becoming increasingly treatable.”
Early detection saves lives
One of the keys to success in the fight against breast cancer is early detection. The oncological surgeon at the Groene Hart Hospital emphasizes the importance of the Population Survey, where women between the ages of 50 and 75 are invited for a mammography every two years.
“This compares photos taken in previous years, so that changes can be detected early,” she says. “If abnormalities are found, the Population Survey refers patients to our Breast Outpatient Clinic.”
Patient-centered approach
Every year, Eugenie and her colleagues treat around 300 patients diagnosed with breast cancer. What distinguishes the Mamma Outpatient Clinic from the Groene Hart Hospital is how they look at patient care as a whole.
“We have reversed the traditional process,” Eugenie explains. “If the radiologist suspects the diagnosis of breast cancer, an intake with the breast surgeons takes place immediately. The biopsy results and a further treatment plan will follow within a few days.” In most cases, the patient first goes to the radiologist for examination.
If anything is visible, a biopsy is performed: taking a small piece of tissue that the researchers view under a microscope. This fast process ensures that patients have a result as quickly as possible and can look ahead.
One permanent point of contact
In the first conversation, each patient is linked to a case manager, the breast care nurse Mother polyclinic. This person provides psychosocial support and is the permanent point of contact during the entire process, from diagnosis to surgery and aftercare. This personal approach is reassuring and very important in a period of uncertainty.
The Groene Hart Hospital has all the necessary facilities for diagnosis and treatment, including surgery and systemic therapy. This means that patients do not have to be referred to other hospitals resulting in personal care.
Higher chances of survival due to better screenings
Nowadays, one in six women is diagnosed with breast cancer. That number is increasing partly because screenings are improving. “On mammograms we see abnormalities as small as five millimeters. This way we can remove small tumors more quickly, which we might not have seen for ten or twenty years.”
In addition, we are getting older on average. “We are now seeing more and more of women who previously did not live to be old enough to develop larger tumors.” The number of breast cancer diagnoses is increasing. Yet that is not all bad news.
We can treat increasingly more effectively
“With ongoing developments in the medical world, survival rates have improved significantly,” adds Eugenie. “The Netherlands is leading the way and offers the latest techniques and systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This allows us to treat increasingly more effectively. The treatment of breast cancer is of a very high standard.”
Customized treatment
The medical experts at the Mamma Outpatient Clinic – and there are quite a few – work closely together. Every week they meet for a joint consultation, during which they jointly draw up treatment plans.
“This prevents tunnel vision and ensures that all possible treatment options are considered,” Eugenie explains. Patients can trust that their treatment is tailor-made, with medical experts taking into account the patient’s medical history, stage of disease and personal preferences.
Together we are strong in the fight against breast cancer
The Groene Hart Hospital also collaborates with other hospitals in the region through OncoWest. The hospitals agree on protocols among themselves and bundle research.
This approach continuously improves the quality of care. The collaboration ensures even higher quality and therefore increasingly better treatment results.
Better prospects than ever
“Thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, the outlook is better than ever before. I know that the process for cancer patients is incredibly exciting. However, I would like to say that more and more is possible and the quality of treatment is continuously being improved,” Eugenie emphasizes.
The Breast Outpatient Clinic Green Heart Hospital is a source of hope and concern for people facing this disease. The medical experts are ready to support anyone dealing with this disease on their journey through treatment.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Groene Hart Hospital encourages everyone to be aware of their health and, if necessary, seek the care they deserve. Together we are stronger in the fight against breast cancer.
2023-10-13 17:38:58
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