More than a hundred health professionals gathered yesterday at the 25th Technical Conference: Cancer Survivorsorganized by the Spanish Cancer Association of Navarrawhich took place at the Official College of Physicians of Navarre.
This event brought together oncology expertsfamily medicine, psychology and primary care, to meet the challenges and needs of survivors of cancer and their families.
Those responsible for the opening of the day were Juan Franco, president of the Spanish Cancer Association of Navarre and Leire Arbea, doctor specializing in palliative care at the University Clinic of Navarre. During the opening, Franco wanted to thank the Official College of Physicians of Navarre for the transfer of its facilities and hoped that the learning acquired during the day “would have an impact on a better level of quality of care for cancer patients, if possible, “in Navarre”.
For its part, Arbea highlighted that the technical conference in Navarre organized by the Association marked “25 years of work and commitment during which, in parallel, powerful progress has been made in detection, diagnosis and treatment of oncology, and this is how today we have more cancer survivors“. It is for this reason that the Spanish Cancer Association of Navarra wanted to align this XXV Technical Conference with cancer survivors.
Yesterday, we looked in depth, in different areas, at how to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and how to support them in this important step. All presentations included experts in the field, but they also included the fundamental voices in this matter, those of patients. During the day, they were able to express themselves through three videos, with different interviews, broadcast before each round table, so that all participants could hear them directly.
The conference, sponsored by Johnson and Johnson and GSK, featured three panel discussions divided into different themes: “Survivor, New Paradigm”; “And after the cancer what?”; and finally “What can we do during our consultation?” Survivor, new paradigm Susana de la Cruz (medical oncologyHUN) highlighted the relevance of deepening the definition and needs of cancer survivors.
For her part, Ruth Vera (responsible for Oncology of the HUN) explained that the definition of survivor has evolved, including those who, despite continued treatment, can live for decades, “we can now say that the definition of a survivor is that of a person who has had cancer throughout their life and who will have special needs. Vera emphasized that “the needs, in addition to therapies, are numerous and depend on each phase.” And, in this context, all the speakers pleaded for a model of caring for the survivor. “Navarra needs a plan,” Vera said. “We are facing a problem of very serious magnitude that must be resolved.”
Marcela Guevara (doctor at the Navarro Institute of Public Health) said that around 4,200 cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed in the region. cancer per year and that approximately 34,000 people are considered survivors, or 5% of the population.
Usua Lacosta (SNS Primary Care), from her experience in primary care, highlighted the importance of understanding the different stages of survival: acute, prolonged and lifelong. He explained that the acute phase begins with diagnosis, the prolonged phase with remission and the permanent phase when the patient considers himself free from disease. Lacosta stressed the need for coordinated strategies and technical and human resources to guarantee comprehensive care.
Nerea Elizondo (nurse from the University of Navarra) highlighted the critical role of nursing in survivorship care. He stressed the importance of systematic and coordinated monitoring, to prevent patients from feeling lost in the health system. Elizondo proposed an approach focused on collaboration between primary and specialty care, with an emphasis on creating guidelines that take into account the needs of the patient and their family.
And after cancer, what?
Ana Redón (psycho-oncology, Spanish Cancer Association of Navarra) reflected on the emotional impact that lingers on survivors, such as fear of relapse and job uncertainty. Redón emphasized that “between 9 and 10% of the people we see in consultation in Navarra are survivors“. Sara Crespo (head of social work, Spanish Cancer Association) added that the lack of information and social support, as well as economic and professional difficulties, constitute critical challenges for survivors.
For her part, Beatriz Álvarez (labor legal assistance technician, Spanish Cancer Association) addressed legal rights and recent jurisprudence that seeks protect survivors in the workplacewhile recognizing the limits of the application of these measures.
What can we do during our consultation?
Gregorio Ladrón (Bachelor in Physical Activity and Sport) highlighted the importance of properly assessing the survivors to avoid unnecessary efforts and obtain appropriate and effective care.
Andrea Urtasun (Pediatrics, CUN) presented a proposed guide for the implementation of physical exercise programs in pediatric oncology patientsemphasizing the relevance of professional monitoring.
Paula Guerrero (Primary Care Medicine, La Rioja) highlighted the importance of sexuality as part of overall well-being oncology patients.
And for her part, Ana Zugasti (Endocrinology, HUN) highlighted theImportance of nutrition during treatment and post-processing oncologicalby recalling the relevance of a personalized and evidence-based approach.
The day ended with the participation of José Rifón (hematology, CUN) and the Health Advisor to the Government of Navarra, Fernando Domínguezwho thanked the presence and work of all participants. Additionally, Domínguez emphasized the administrations’ commitment to improving care for cancer survivors, hoping that advances in detection and treatment will continue to improve survival rates.
