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and after cancer ...

“As well as follow-up care, our patients are offered many types of support, after treatment too.”

 

Dr Dominique de Valeriola,
Head of Day Hospital, Institut Jules Bordet

Thanks to improved screening and treatment more and more patients are surviving cancer.  More than ever, cancer is an illness that the patient must learn to live with. Nevertheless, after treatment the consequences of cancer and the treatment are still felt physically and mentally and in family, social and professional life.   The transition between curative treatment and the post-treatment stage can be problematic but is crucial to long-term health.

Medical care after cancer

After treatment, when medical examinations show no more sign of cancer, the patient is considered to be in remission. It is then that post-cancer care begins.

to keep an eye on the physical and psychological state of the patient

  • to manage any medium or long-term secondary effects of certain treatments
  • to detect any recurrence as soon as possible
  • to identify any new cancer.

Recurrence means that cancer cells reappear after a period of remission that can vary from a few months to several years. It can also happen that the same patient develops different cancers several years apart. In all these cases, the earlier a recurrence or cancerous disease is detected, the faster a new therapeutic strategy can be offered.

Support programs

Tailor-made programmes to support patients who have completed acute treatment during their post-cancer period

 

RESTART PROGRAMME

The RESTART programme favours a more rapid and lasting rehabilitation of breast cancer patients by providing them with the key information and tools necessary to increase their autonomy, offset persistent side effects and limit the risks of the cancer returning. 

The programme includes psychological support, educational workshops, physical exercise sessions and guidance in restoring body image. 

The programme RESTART was developed in cooperation with Oncobulle : https://www.oncobulle.eu/

 

Clinic for long-term follow up haematology

The clinic for long-term follow up proposes multidisciplinary and holistic follow up for adolescents, young adults and adults following a haematological cancer (lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma, etc.). These patients are in remission and no longer following active treatment, apart from a possible maintenance medication.   

The H.U.B’s Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic is staffed by specialist doctors, physiotherapists, oncology psychologists, neuropsychologists, coaches and partner patients.

BRUSSELS 20 KM 

Some 20 Institute patients and their carers took up the challenge of participating in the Brussels 20 km. Who said that cancer and sport are incompatible? Certainly not them!

A challenge that enables patients to practice a physical activity, surpass themselves, forge bonds and dispel prejudices surrounding the disease.    

PROGRAMME OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

This programme offers patients an introduction to a range of physical activities within an adapted and individualised framework that takes into account the treatment received, the nature of the illness and the psychological condition of each patient. 

INFORMATION VIDEOS (MEDIFY)

In a series of videos Institute professionals  present themes associated with cancer and the post-cancer period, such as  parenting, dietetics, oncogenetics, side effects, chemotherapy, etc.