Prevention
Modern medicine is increasingly transitioning towards preventive care. This shift towards prevention has also been observed in breast cancer care in recent years, particularly with the discovery of the BRCA gene. Subsequently, multiple genes and risk factors have been identified. Depending on these factors, a personalized screening strategy can be chosen. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these genetic and risk factors.
Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with cancer ... This website serves as a portal designed to assist you and your loved ones in accessing personal information and finding solutions to your concerns.
The primary goal of this website is to offer guidance and support to patients as they navigate their journey toward recovery and improved quality of life. The "Diagnosis" section of our website is divided into two main categories. Firstly, under "Anatomy and Physiology," we provide fundamental knowledge about the breast. Secondly, in the "Tumors and Disorders" section, we delve deeper into various breast-related conditions.
Moreover, we aim to provide information to women who may be concerned about potential breast issues but are hesitant to seek immediate medical advice. Knowledge and information can often offer immediate reassurance if a woman is able to identify the issue herself and determine that no specific treatment is necessary. Conversely, we also strive to educate women who have received a diagnosis of a serious breast condition, such as breast cancer, and wish to approach their doctor well-informed and prepared.
Treatment
The treatment for breast cancer should immediately include a discussion about reconstruction. Our foundation has no greater goal than to raise awareness of this among patients and oncological surgeons. By making an informed decision beforehand, we avoid closing off options for later reconstruction while still considering the oncological aspect. Of course, survival is paramount, and the decision of the oncologic surgeon will always take precedence.
The "Reconstruction or not?" page contains all the information you can expect during an initial consultation before undergoing tumor removal. This page is comprehensive, and your plastic surgeon will only provide information relevant to your situation.
"Removing the tumor" details the surgical procedure itself. This is the most crucial operation because effective tumor removal remains paramount. We guide you through the various methods of removal, a decision often made by a multidisciplinary team comprising oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, radiotherapists, breast nurses, gynecologists, oncological surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
The "Breast Reconstruction" section includes information and illustrations of the different reconstruction options along with corresponding steps.
Revalidation
Those treated for cancer often need a long period to recover.
Cancer is a radical illness with a heavy treatment. Often, people have to deal with psychosocial and/or physical problems afterwards, such as stress, anxiety, extreme fatigue, painful joints, reduced fitness, lymphedema... This can have a major impact on general well-being.
There are rehabilitation programmes offered by most hospitals. We cover some of the major topics here.
Quality of life
Quality of life is a key factor in coping with breast cancer. Therefore, it is important to find coping mechanisms that work, which will be different from patient to patient. For some, it may be finding enjoyment in activities they engaged in prior to diagnosis, taking time for appreciating life and expressing gratitude, volunteering, physical exercise... Of prime importance, studies have shown that accepting the disease as a part of one’s life is a key to effective coping, as well as focusing on mental strength to allow the patient to move on with life. In this section we are addressing some topics that patients experience during and after treatment and we are providing information to address them.
It's a Beautiful Day 2024
back to EventsWe are organizing also this year an event for patients who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and for their families. Not a "day" this year, but an "evening" in collaboration with the breast clinic of AZ Jan Palfijn.
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25/06/2024
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Gent- AZ Jan Palfijn, Watersportlaan 5 - Groot Auditorium - straat 114
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6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Have you just been diagnosed with breast cancer or have you already started your treatment? Then this is an evening for you.
Many patients struggle with questions about treatment and well-being, to which they do not always find answers.
We will bring a number of topics in an accessible and interactive way, brought to you by professional healthcare providers who enjoy an excellent reputation in their field, in collaboration with experts in their field.
This year's program is mainly about well-being and quality of life. Intimacy and sexuality remain very important but are often considered "secondary" during treatment and afterwards. Also, patients often struggle with emotional and mental issues.
And that is what we would like to talk about with some top experts.
Note: this program will be delivered in Dutch only
Program
18:30 - 19:30
Intimacy and sexuality during and after cancer.
Kristel Mulders
Kristel Mulders is an onco-sexologist and recently wrote a book on the topic "Cancer in the bedroom".
19:30- 20:30
Mindfulness and emotional well-being.
Björn Prins
Björn Prins is a clinical psychologist with a lot of experience in mindfulness.
20h30
Visit booths
Registration
Participation in the event is free, but for organizational reasons we would like to ask you to register via this page.
Location
The event will take place at AZ Jan Palfijn, Watersportlaan 5, Ghent - Grand Auditorium, street 114.