Dr. Jennie M. Bennett
Director at Reconstruction of a Survivor, USA
Title: The Forgotten Aspect of Survivorship
Biography:
Abstract:
Problem:
When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer the major aspect of treatment and survivorship is physical. What are the treatment options? Will I live or die? What if I don’t have insurance? These are only a few challenges facing women diagnosed with breast cancer. However, there is another component of the diagnosis that is pivotal to treatment- the psycho-social healing. Research states that people diagnosed with a serious disease or illness gravitate toward their faith. This is a strong component of treatment that can’t be overlooked.
The Approach:
Navigating the Roadmap to Survivorship includes the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the patient with breast cancer. Medical staff do not have ample time to address the role psycho social treatment plays in the treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, the patient may not be aware that she is having emotional challenges during this part of life’s journey. Therefore, support groups play a pivotal role in the treatment of breast cancer patients.
Conclusion:
Reconstruction of a Survivor was founded to provide that missing link beyond the physical treatment of breast cancer. Reconstruction of a Survivor provides a 26-session curriculum designed to address the challenges women encounter when diagnosed with breast cancer. This transportable curriculum has benefited thousands of women so they experience emotional and spiritual support and healing as they journey through a diagnosis of breast cancer.