Some 35% to 40% of relatives of breast cancer patients feel lonely while their loved one is being treated, according to a survey conducted by the iVOX research firm on behalf of the Pink Ribbon organisation's breast cancer awareness centre.
For its campaign this year, the organisation is focusing on relationships in the patient's environment, it said in a press release ahead of International Breast Cancer Day, celebrated each year on 19 October.
The impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on the patient or the people around him or her has been underexposed for too long, Pink Ribbon stressed. This prompted it to launch a survey of Belgians with relatives or close friends affected by the disease.
Some 65% of the 1,000 respondents confirmed that they received support from family, friends or colleagues. Children are often of great help, 70% said.
Finally, 80% of partners of breast cancer patients confirmed that the illness drew them closer to each other.
However, a breast cancer diagnosis puts a severe strain on a patient's network. Just under half of patients’ relatives and friends had feelings of sadness (44%) and powerlessness (42%) while as many as 35% to 40% felt very lonely during the treatment period. They had virtually no one to talk to about their feelings and 1 in 3 withdrew from social life.
Where the ninth Pink Ribbon is concerned, the organisation chose to entrust its design to (former) breast-cancer patients and their loved ones.
The ribbon is being sold for €4 online and in some 1,200 stores throughout October, International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This year's campaign calls for more hugs. The organisation has collected testimonials from loved ones of patients, and compiled them in a book titled ‘Embraces,’ which it will present on World Cancer Day in 2024.
