Progress and challenges of the announcement system: giving patients a voice
Over the past 25 years, successive cancer plans have enabled notable progress in the system for announcing the diagnosis. Over time, support for patients and families has been strengthened, offering more human and empathetic support when faced with the news of such a distressing illness. However, during the first round table of the conference, many patients and caregivers expressed their feelings.
The announcement was brutal. I found myself alone in the street, in shock, and I had to go home and tell my husband. It felt like everything was collapsing around me.
Florence, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
They shared moving testimonies about the emotional and psychological challenges linked to this crucial stage. Although progress has been made, it has become apparent that certain requests from patients and their loved ones remain sadly relevant. “Our efforts should focus on avoiding medical jargon. The news of cancer is already a shock in itself, it is essential to communicate with simple and human words” recalls Doctor Renaud Ferrier, general practitioner.
Questioned during the conference, the observation was clear: 25 years after the implementation of the announcement system, only 50% of those questioned felt that the announcement of their diagnosis had been well done. Although specific training on the announcement of cancer is now integrated into the curriculum of medical schools, it will still take time before all health professionals fully understand the astounding effect caused by this announcement.
“Improving the cancer notification system requires above all human support. The Nice University Hospital treats all types of cancer, and it is our duty to continue to train caregivers so that they can offer attentive listening, appropriate support, and clear communication to patients and their loved ones.” insists Rodolphe Bourret, Director of Nice University Hospital. Support for patients therefore remains crucial from this first stage, because it determines the way in which they will experience the journey following this upsetting news.
A collective awareness for this conference which aimed above all to give voice to those directly affected, because their needs must still be fully taken into account in improving the care pathway.
Artificial intelligence in the fight against cancer
One of the key themes of this conference was the exploration of the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health. Chaired by Philippe Amiel, president of the Ethics and Cancer Committee, the second round table highlighted the progress made possible thanks to AI.
“Undoubtedly AI will enable undeniable advances in the analysis of results as well as in the approach to the different treatments that may be offered, but the most important thing is that this AI must be for the benefit of patients and not want to make a profit on the backs of the sick” Philippe Amiel, President of the Ethics and Cancer Committee
If technology cannot capture the psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis, it nevertheless allows major advances in terms of precision and analysis of medical examinations. AI could thus detect disease earlier, helping doctors refine their diagnoses. But despite its promises, the importance of humans in the care process has been strongly reaffirmed: “AI can be a powerful tool, but it will never replace the listening and compassion of caregivers in the face of suffering” concluded Paul Hofman, Director of the University Hospital Institute (IHU) of Nice and Vice-President of the Alpes-Maritimes Committee of the League Against Cancer.
The Maralpins associative partnership: an essential territorial network
One of the major new features presented during this event was the official launch of the Maralpins associative partnership. This ambitious project, driven by the Alpes-Maritimes Committee of the League Against Cancer, aims to create a strong network between them and other associations fighting cancer in the department.
This is an important step towards reinforced care, particularly in terms of supportive care, which provides essential relief to patients and their families.
Dr Anne-Sophie Azuar, Vice-President of the Alpes-Maritimes Committee of the League Against Cancer
The result of an unprecedented collaboration, this territorial network will allow better orientation of people affected by the disease towards the resources and assistance available, in particular the supportive care offered free of charge to patients and caregivers. The guide resulting from this partnership, designed to offer concrete support, will be distributed in all cancer establishments in the department.
Supportive care and inequalities of access: a crucial discussion
The third and final round table looked at the importance of supportive care for cancer patients, as well as the inequalities in access to this care in different regions. This care, which includes psychological support, adapted sports activities, pain management, and rehabilitation, plays a fundamental role in improving patients’ quality of life.
However, access to them remains unequal depending on the territory. This discussion highlighted the need for better distribution of these services, so that each patient, regardless of their place of residence, can benefit from the same chances of support in the face of illness. As underlined by Dr Philippe Bergerot, President of the League: “It is essential that patients feel supported at every stage of their journey, whether at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, or after treatment. We need to stop talking simply about care pathways, and instead consider a real life pathway.”
This conference, rich in discussions and initiatives, therefore marked a decisive step in the fight against cancer and the improvement of the daily lives of people affected by the disease. An essential meeting in Nice which made it possible to advance the cause of the sick, before the big event which will take place in Paris next November.
Discover the testimonies in the section of the Alpes-Maritimes Cancer League, a system which aims to give voice to patients and caregivers.
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