GSK introduces My Name Too, Esperanza, a guide to supporting patients with gynecological cancer

GSK today unveiled accompanying guidance which arises from the need to offer comprehensive and comprehensive support that takes into account both the clinical aspects of the disease and the needs of patients with gynecological cancer..

The project “My name is also Esperanza” was developed by 11 medical professionals from different specialties, including four oncologists, and received the support of the patient associations AMOH (Association of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Pathology) and ASACO (Association of People Suffering from Ovarian Cancer) to provide a reference resource for patients and their families that includes information about the pathology and relevant topics related to the disease and its treatment. The presentation in Madrid, moderated by Sandra Ibarra, a benchmark in cancer visibility, included four roundtable panels reflecting the natural stages of the cancer process: “fear,” “loneliness,” “sharing,” and “hope.” “

Management

“LThis guide to care and support after diagnosis is based on the understanding that every woman’s journey with cancer is unique.. “Not only does this guide provide practical advice, but it also represents a commitment to women going through this process, supporting them with self-care tools that embrace body and mind, and reminding them that they are not alone on their journey to recovery,” she, explained Julia Ruiz, oncologist at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada and medical director of the Onconature Center for Integrative Oncology.

During treatment, patients with gynecological cancer may experience a variety of physical changes, such as extreme fatigue, hormonal changes and pain, which affect self-esteem and personal perception. These aspects are not only a physical problem, but also an emotional one, which can be expressed in anxiety, sadness and sometimes isolation. One of the main goals of My Name Is Esperanza is to provide guidance on self-care and strategies to help patients adapt to these changes, reconnect with their personal well-being during treatment, and improve their quality of life. For Ruiz: “Comprehensive care is needed, including nutrition tailored to individual needs, moderate exercise to maintain mobility and energy, pelvic floor physical therapy, and stress management practices such as mindfulness or yoga. In addition, psycho-emotional support is critical because it allows patients to express their emotions, reduce fear, and develop resilience.“

Participation of patient associations AMOH and ASACO played an important role in the development of this guidance, particularly when it comes to communicating the experiences and needs of patients, as well as their families and loved ones.

. So, in addition to detailed information about gynecological cancer and its treatment, the document also includes support resources, including practical tips and advice on how to safely incorporate exercise into your daily routine, what diet is most suitable, how to manage emotions or how to care for a loved one with cancer, among other aspects.

Patients and their problems

The patient experiences many fears and uncertainties from the moment she is diagnosed with cancer. “For this reason, it is so important to have material that will help us better understand our situation, know that we are not alone and what tools are within our reach to be able to maintain an adequate quality of life during this process,” he said. Charo Hierro, President of ASACO, also emphasized the need to work towards achieving good communication with the medical team. Because although doctor-patient communication has changed a lot, it is still necessary.”remove barriers,” especially in everything related to the emotional state and sexual life of patients.“surrounded by taboo, preventing truly open conversation.”

Gynecological cancer

Hereditary gynecological cancer, and in particular Ovarian cancer, which is most affected by inherited genetic mutations.there is also a dedicated section in this guide. In this sense, Marisa Cotes, President of AMOH, emphasized the importance of “genetic counseling”, explained in detail in the document: “Although there is no effective early detection, knowledge of the mutation allows people to have more frequent screenings and make preventive decisions, such as removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes after childbirth.

. In addition, genetic counseling helps plan individualized treatment and educate family members about risk in an effort to save as many lives as possible.”

In recent years, Treatment of gynecologic cancer has improved due to developments in immunotherapy and precision medicine, which are prolonging patients’ lives, reducing side effects, and improving their quality of life.opened up new opportunities and new hopes. “At GSK, we support knowledge and disease prevention through continuous research, development and innovation, driven by the commitment and belief that hope never becomes chronic. Hope is spread through continuous and collective efforts. Because together we have the power to turn cancer into hope,” said Leticia de Luján, Medical Director of Hematology Oncology at GSK Spain.

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