A pharmacist’s role in caring for breast cancer patients extends beyond dispensing medications. Link’s pharmacists have provided support in medication management, side effect management, and patient education for four decades. What roles do pharmacists play in education, detection and treatment?
Awareness
While the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign runs in October annually, your Link pharmacist is available throughout the year to talk to about getting an annual mammogram (typically, women over 40 years or as advised by their doctor), or discussing any ‘abnormalities’ that you may find in your breasts through breast self-examination (visit the link from CANSA to find out more). https://cansa.org.za/steps-how-to-do-a-breast-self-examination-bse/ Please note that an ‘abnormality’ does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. Your doctor will examine you and, if necessary, refer you for further screenings.
Education, awareness and having somebody to talk to are essential as early detection can save lives.
Treatment
Your pharmacist can explain what you need to know about your medications and provide expert answers to your questions.
An important aspect of medication management is adherence, which involves understanding the importance of taking medication as prescribed. Information such as when medication should be taken or what to do if you skip your medication are just two examples of adherence and medication management. Also, by knowing what other medications the patient is taking, the pharmacist will be alerted to potential interactions between those drugs and the cancer medication.
Side effect management is very important for patient well-being and safety. Our pharmacists can offer expert guidance, practical tips and over-the-counter remedies for symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or skin reactions, among others. Your pharmacist is part of the patient’s wider circle of care. They work closely with the oncology team and other healthcare professionals to ensure that their patients get comprehensive and coordinated care.
References:
https://cansa.org.za/steps-how-to-do-a-breast-self-examination-bse/