MADRID, 28 One. (EUROPA PRESS) –
For more than a year, experts from the field of medical Oncology and patient organizations have analyzed the current situation of the approach to metastatic breast cancer in Spain, and, from this work, they have published the ‘Study on the management of Cancer of Metastatic Breast in Spain ‘that propose 37 recommendations and conclusions to improve patient care.
The study has been carried out taking into account the territorial diversity of the country and has had the participation and endorsement of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Spanish Federation of Breast Cancer (FECMA), the Breast Cancer Association Metastatic (CMM), the Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group (GEICAM) and the SOLTI Group, with the sponsorship of Lilly and the technical office of Ascendo Consulting.
Metastatic breast cancer is a different phase from breast cancer in its initial stage, characterized by its expansion outside the breast, reaching other parts of the body, which are often the bones, lungs, liver and / or brain. It is a disease in which research continues to increase the survival of those affected.
It is a first step towards turning it into a chronic situation and avoiding what is currently the leading cause of death in women between 30 and 50 years of age in Spain. Currently, it is estimated that 6,500 people die each year in Spain from this pathology.
The result of the study addresses very diverse aspects of its management and from it 37 conclusions and recommendations are obtained that are divided into several areas of action: resources, care process and the role of patient associations. As a whole, they invite us to reflect on the need for a comprehensive approach to the disease.
One of the points to improve is the cancer registries. The existing ones do not collect data on relapses, so the real prevalence of oncological diseases in advanced or metastatic stages is unknown. Coordinated registries with adequate resources are needed to collect data that reflect the real needs of each healthcare setting and, in this way, improve their planning.
Another notable aspect of the management of the disease is the need to contemplate in a more explicit way specific lines of action in the Oncology Strategies and Plans. In addition, it is important to strengthen the involvement of primary care physicians, mainly in the follow-up of long survivors and in addressing the sequelae of the pathology.
The working group has been made up of an Advisory Committee and a Panel of Experts with representation from 12 Autonomous Communities analyzed. The Advisory Committee has been made up of medical oncologists, patient representatives and a representative of the Administration, with a vision of the central and regional administration. The Panel of Experts has been made up of medical oncologists with knowledge of the reality of 25 hospitals belonging to 23 provinces and representatives of local patient organizations.
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