Steve Casey – Marketing Director, Square Health.
We all appreciate that a diagnosis of breast cancer can be very worrying and overwhelming for all concerned. Patients are often rocketed instantly into a world of hospital appointments, diagnostic tests, new terminology and language which can be confusing and frightening.
Fortunately, there is a lot more awareness of the symptoms and signs of breast cancer in recent years with several prominent people in the industry telling their own stories. As with any cancer diagnosis, the speed of diagnosis is vital to give the best outcomes for people.
With the introduction of value-added services to income protection products, there are several ways we can support people before, during or after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Technology allows customers to access online face to face appointments with experienced UK based GPs at a time that suits them. The GPs are available to discuss any worrying signs or symptoms. They can provide signposting to refer an individual to their NHS GP for onward discussion and investigations or via a private referral for PMI customers to support a speedy diagnosis.
Unsurprisingly, according to Cancer Research UK, nearly 30% of cancer patients surveyed had experienced mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, whilst over 10% had sought advice from a mental health professional. ¹
Having access to British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) registered clinicians via Square Health can provide much needed support for those dealing with breast cancer and for their family members² who may also be struggling with ways to practically and emotionally support their loved one whilst dealing with the impact of the diagnosis themselves.
We all know that a balanced healthy diet is important, and this remains true for someone recovering from surgery and/or undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy can cause a variety of side effects. These can include decreased appetite due to nausea or an increased appetite when treated with steroids. Feeling worried or stressed and disruption to our usual routine can also affect eating patterns. ³
Our Lifestyle & Nutrition experts and Dietitians are on hand to provide practical advice and ongoing support around the types of foods to include in the diet and those to avoid during and after treatment to ensure optimal nutrition for a patient.
Square Health’s provision of fully connected health and wellbeing services via our advanced technology platform enables our clinicians to refer users directly to other services we provide. This makes for an extremely simple and smooth journey, ensuring users get the support they need from our experts at a time they may need it most. Connectivity is the key word.
Sources:
² age restrictions apply to minors
³ https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/diet-during-breast-cancer-treatment/
