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Breast Cancer With education against the worries and fears
The diagnosis "breast cancer" is a shock for most sufferers. They face massive uncertainties and fears that further limit their quality of life. "A good education about their disease, however, can significantly increase the quality of life of breast cancer patients," reports the University Hospital Bonn from the results of a recent study.
Scientists from the Universities of Cologne and Bonn as well as the German Cancer Society have examined in their new study to what extent the quality of life of breast cancer patients is influenced by the education. They conclude that information provided can significantly reduce fears and the associated quality of life.
Data evaluated after breast cancer surgery
In the study, the researchers evaluated data from a total of 445 breast cancer patients between the ages of 65 and 88 years. All women had just undergone a breast cancer operation and "were asked shortly after the procedure and 40 weeks later to fill in a questionnaire on their health literacy," reports the University of Bonn. The patients were also asked about their fears and worries in connection with the disease in order to uncover possible connections with their existing health literacy.
Questions about health literacy
In the health literacy questionnaire women had to answer questions on four different aspects. So they should state how easily they were able to find relevant information about their condition, whether they could understand the information, whether they were able to assess their trustworthiness, and whether their new knowledge had helped them make decisions about it To meet disease.
Fears related to the diagnosis
Examining the existing fears associated with breast cancer diagnosis made it clear that there was widespread concern that the disease might progress or return after treatment was completed. "Up to 70 percent of all breast cancer patients suffer from such fears," reports Prof. Dr. med. Nicole Ernstmann from the University Hospital Bonn. The researcher in the field of health communication made it clear that in some cases, the fear is so massive that a corresponding therapy is required. However, a good education seems to be an effective medicine against the fear, reports Prof. Ernstmann of the current study results.
Fewer fears with high health literacy
According to a report from the University of Bonn, respondents with low health literacy in the study reported far more frequently about concerns and fears associated with their condition. However, a high level of health literacy was accompanied by much less distressing fears in breast cancer patients. Prof. Ernstmann concludes that the patients could be given unfounded fears "by better informing them about their illness." According to the expert, this should also be done without specific requests from the patients. Because some people find it difficult to hook up with their doctor when they do not understand something. "They do not want to look stupid or uneducated or fear to strain the patience of their counterparts in white," explains the Bonn professor.
Checklist for the doctor's visit
In the opinion of the expert, it is first and foremost the task of the medical profession to counter the problem of the lack of information flow and to create a trusting atmosphere. In order to make it easier for the patients to start their conversation with the doctor, the researchers have also developed a kind of checklist. With their help, it can be ensured at the doctor's meeting that all important aspects are addressed. It serves as a guide that "patients can take into the conversation and pick up on the most important questions about breast cancer," says Prof. Ernstmann.
Take a confidant with you to the doctor talk
In addition, the expert advises not to go to the doctor's talk alone if possible. Those affected should take with them a good friend or a good friend, partner, or relative. Experience has shown that accompanying persons have fewer problems with inquiring about ambiguities or raising unanswered questions. All in all, the current study shows "how enormously important an appropriate medical education is for the quality of life of critically ill people," emphasizes Prof. Ernstmann. (Fp)