Podcast Summary
Turning negative experiences into positives: Personal challenges can lead to new opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose. Dr. Curran Men's experience with breast cancer after her mother's death inspired her to become a healthcare advocate and OBGYN.
Personal experiences, even those that are challenging or painful, can shape our lives and careers in meaningful ways. Dr. Curran Men, a guest on Dr. Louise Newson's podcast, shared her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her mother's death from ovarian cancer. This experience led her to become a board-certified OBGYN and advocate for women's health. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of treatment, including chemotherapy and menopause, she was able to have a healthy child. Dr. Men's journey shows that it's possible to turn negative experiences into positive ones and make a difference in the lives of others. Her direct and empathetic approach to healthcare is a testament to her resilience and commitment to helping women navigate their own health journeys.
Cancer treatment communication: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers about cancer treatments and their side effects is crucial to ensure patients are well-informed and better equipped to manage their treatments and side effects.
Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers about cancer treatments and their side effects is crucial. The patient in this discussion shared her personal journey with breast cancer, chemotherapy, and menopause, highlighting the lack of knowledge and understanding she had about her treatments and their potential side effects during her initial diagnosis. This lack of information led to a difficult experience with menopause, prompting her to seek education and certification from the North America Menopause Society to better care for other women going through similar experiences. It's important to remember that patients may not fully understand the nature of their cancer or treatments, and it's essential for healthcare providers to take the time to explain and address any concerns or questions patients may have. By doing so, we can help ensure that patients are well-informed and better equipped to manage their treatments and side effects.
Healthcare communication, menopause: Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is essential during cancer treatment and menopause. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about menopause symptoms beyond hot flashes to alleviate patients' fears and improve overall quality of life.
Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is crucial for understanding and managing the complexities of various health conditions, particularly during times of significant change such as cancer treatment and menopause. During the 1980s, there was a lack of shared decision-making, and patients were not fully informed about their conditions or the side effects of treatments. A patient's story of being unaware of the connection between her cancer treatment and menopause symptoms led the speaker to realize the importance of addressing the full range of symptoms, not just the most obvious ones. The speaker's experience also highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about menopause and its symptoms beyond hot flashes. This knowledge can help alleviate patients' fears and improve their overall quality of life. By fostering open communication and education, healthcare professionals can empower patients to advocate for their needs and complete their treatment plans.
Open communication in breast cancer treatment: Effective communication between patients and oncologists is vital for informed decision-making and improved quality of life in breast cancer treatment. Patients should discuss symptoms and all available options, focusing on overall well-being and understanding complex hormonal effects of medications.
Open communication between patients and oncologists is crucial for effective treatment and management of breast cancer. Patients should be informed about their options and involved in shared decision-making, especially regarding endocrine therapy and ovarian suppression. Many women, even those with early-stage breast cancer, may not be fully informed about their choices and may suffer unnecessarily. Furthermore, it's important to remember that the majority of breast cancer survivors will not die from their cancer but from other health issues, such as heart disease. Thus, focusing on overall well-being and quality of life is essential. Lastly, some medications, like Tamoxifen, can have complex effects on hormones, and understanding these nuances can lead to better outcomes. Patients and doctors should discuss symptoms, including vaginal and urinary issues, and explore all available options to improve patients' lives.
Breast cancer and hormone therapy: Having an estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells doesn't mean estrogen caused the cancer, and treatment options include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Duration of treatment and individualized options are crucial, and holistic support is essential after treatment.
When it comes to breast cancer and hormone therapy, it's essential to understand that having an estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells does not necessarily mean that estrogen caused the cancer. Instead, it's just one of many tools in the toolbox of treatment options, which includes surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Furthermore, the duration of treatment is crucial, and women should be educated about the various endocrine options available to them, which can be individualized based on their unique circumstances. It's important to remember that breast cancer treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that women have the capacity to handle complex discussions about their options. After completing treatment, women should be supported in a holistic way, addressing menopause and other aspects of their health.
HRT for breast cancer survivors: Breast cancer survivors should make informed decisions about HRT based on individual circumstances and quality of life, as data on HRT and breast cancer recurrence is not definitive. Individualized treatment plans are crucial.
Breast cancer survivors, especially those with a low risk of recurrence, should be able to make informed decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on their individual circumstances and quality of life. The data on HRT and breast cancer recurrence is not definitive, and each case should involve shared decision-making between the patient and their oncologist. An example given was a triple-negative breast cancer survivor who had high estrogen levels for years after treatment and then underwent surgical menopause, causing significant suffering. After starting HRT under the guidance of her oncologist, she reported feeling much better. It's essential to challenge nonsensical restrictions on HRT for breast cancer survivors and allow for individualized treatment plans.
Women's health decisions: Understanding benefits and risks of HRT and menopause, not societal pressure, should guide women's health decisions. Healthcare providers should support informed choices, especially in sensitive areas like pregnancy after breast cancer.
Women's decisions regarding their health, particularly in relation to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopause, should be based on a thorough understanding of the benefits and risks, rather than societal pressure or stigma. The individual value placed on various aspects of a woman's life, such as fertility or quality of life, can greatly influence these decisions. It is crucial for healthcare providers to support and advocate for their patients' choices, recognizing that they may evolve over time. This open-mindedness is particularly evident in the area of pregnancy after breast cancer, where there is widespread support for shared decision-making and options. The availability of data on the safety of resuming HRT after a breast cancer diagnosis has been proven, yet the stigma surrounding its use remains. It is essential to challenge these societal norms and promote informed decision-making in all areas of women's health.
Menopause care for breast cancer survivors: Breast cancer survivors going through menopause need prioritized care to manage symptoms effectively, preserve sexual health, and advocate for themselves. Exploring hormonal and non-hormonal options, addressing vaginal health, and scheduling separate appointments can significantly improve quality of life.
Women with breast cancer going through menopause deserve prioritized care and attention to improve their quality of life. Corinne Wainer emphasizes the importance of women not minimizing their menopausal symptoms, as they can significantly impact sleep, function, and overall well-being. She encourages exploring both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options to manage symptoms effectively. Secondly, Corinne highlights the importance of addressing vaginal sexual health. Preserving this aspect of life can prevent negative cycles of suffering, including urinary tract infections, relationship impacts, and intimacy issues. Lastly, she advises women to advocate for themselves and schedule separate appointments with their oncologists and gynecologists to discuss menopause-related concerns. By being informed and proactive, women can feel empowered and prioritize their health and well-being. Overall, Corinne's message is clear: women with breast cancer going through menopause deserve comprehensive care and support, and they should not hesitate to prioritize their health and advocate for themselves.