Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women.
1 in 11 European women are likely to develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.
MEP
Chair of Transforming
Breast Cancer Together
“Breast cancer has an impact on every aspect of a patient’s personal and professional life, as well as those of their families, and society as a whole. It is not only a devastating diagnosis, but also has socio-economic effects that need to be addressed. We must invest more in breast cancer prevention, treatment and care in Europe. We are committed to this goal and to achieving progress now.”
Many cancer survivors face long-term symptoms and impairments after their treatments end, such as fatigue, thinking and memory problems, and peripheral neuropathy. These have clear employment-related impacts for the individuals concerned, including job retention, limitation of promotion and development opportunities, and even reduced ability to enter, re-enter or move in the job market. Having the ability to work, if patients and survivors wish to, is particularly important as it can restore a sense of normality and well-being as well as contribute to financial stability and security.
Transforming Breast Cancer Together is an initiative launched in 2017 that brings together policymakers, patient organisations, professional organisations and companies committed to raising awareness of the daily realities of living with breast cancer.
Helping patients and their families during, before and after breast cancer is the inspiration and the driving force of the “Transforming Breast Cancer Together” initiative. Patient empowerment and patient needs are at the centre of all the various activities implemented by the group. As such, the Transforming Breast Cancer Together Initiative continues to advocate for the rights and needs of patients, by maintaining breast cancer high on the EU policymaking agenda, with the ultimate objective of improving breast cancer patients’ outcomes throughout the breast cancer pathway.
The members of the Transforming Breast Cancer Together (TBCT) initiative express their deepest concern about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Our thoughts are with all those affected, especially the most vulnerable in society who are suffering as a result of the conflict. Amongst others, the impact of this crisis on healthcare system cannot be overlooked. Particularly people living with chronic diseases or those undergoing cancer treatment need to be guaranteed continuous access to treatment and care.
As we mark this International Women’s Day, our first thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. In particular, we are deeply concerned for those who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and our immediate priority is to ensure that all breast cancer patients continue to get access to the care they need. This International Women’s Day, we recognise not only the incredible women who are facing the daily realities of breast cancer, but also the need to educate and inform all women of the signs of breast cancer, so they can live their lives to the fullest.
The initiative was launched following an event hosted in the European Parliament in November 2017 and since then has brought together a number of policymakers and organisations deeply committed to cancer care with an aim to increase the understanding of the daily realities of living with early and advanced breast cancer in Europe and ensure that policymaking reflects both the individual and the societal disease burden. These aims serve as an inspiration and the driving force of the Transforming Breast Cancer Together initiative. Through publications, advocacy work and events, the initiative contributes to increased recognition of the challenges posed by breast cancer. Patient empowerment and cancer patients’ needs are at the centre of all the activities implemented by the group.
In 2018, the group successfully launched the concept of the ‘Strings of Pearls’, which represents all involved stakeholders’ commitment to contribute to at least one activity per month to raise awareness and improve breast cancer care in Europe.
For any enquiries, please contact us at TBCT@fticonsulting.com
Disclaimer
We will be happy to provide further information on TBCT or any of the materials that are posted on this website. Neither the TBCT secretariat nor any TBCT members can give clinical or other treatment advice through this website. This website is not a channel for the reporting adverse events or side effects that might arise from a treatment used by a patient. If you, or someone you care for, is affected by anything that may be an adverse event or side effect, please refer to your/their physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional immediately, they will help you contact the relevant healthcare companies as necessary.
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