Beyond pink ribbons: The unmet needs of women with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. The treatment options for breast cancer can cause side effects and adversely impact quality of life. Side effects, including fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, and psychosocial complications, can be life altering and continue beyond treatment into survivorship. Traditionally, health professionals focused almost entirely on achieving cancer survival; however, due to significant success in cancer treatment outcomes, most women now live beyond their breast cancer treatment. Consequently, addressing side effects and compromises in quality of life are becoming more important issues to include in a comprehensive approach to breast cancer treatment. For women, these unmet needs may involve body image concerns, sexual dysfunction, and other lifestyle challenges, and may not have previously been given sufficient recognition or priority. It is necessary for us, as oncology healthcare professionals, to modify our delivery of cancer care and ensure that more comprehensive care is provided to women. By addressing women's unmet needs, we can contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals regarding improving health and equality. This commentary seeks to emphasise the advantages of providing comprehensive care for women with breast cancer and advocates for cancer care professionals to actively participate in initiating and implementing this care.