Breast cancer support services in Japan and a wish list

A childhood friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27. She was single, and after surviving surgeries, chemotherapy and other treatments, she said to me: “I guess I need to give up on the idea of getting married and having children.” I tried to reassure her, but she was not optimistic. “We have a commitment problem in our generation, as is. Who would take the risk of starting a family with a cancer survivor, knowing the risk of relapses?” This was 25 years ago. She is doing well but has remained unmarried and childless.

Types of essential patient support

Breast cancer is curable, when detected and treated in early stages. Its effects, however, are long-lasting, especially for young women. It can shatter hopes for a steady relationship and motherhood.

In Japan, support for breast cancer survivors is usually provided through hospitals, city governments and pharmaceuticals. Eisai’s patient support platform, Ladyluna Garden is one good example. This type of support can range from information sharing to peer support and networking, including those focused on (i) patients under the age of 35, (ii) job search and work-and-life balance (which include medical care routine) and (iii) financial planning. Many cancer survivors assist new patients as volunteers, sharing experiences and concerns.

Ensuring safety and comfort in everyday products

One of the new discoveries for cancer survivors, several of my friends and colleagues who have gone through chemo therapies have told me, is how toxic our beauty products are. From shampoo to nail polish, they have to go the extra mile to make sure that their daily routines are safe. In the US and Europe, databases of certified organic cosmetics are available, verified by the Environmental Working Group or Cosmos Standard. This is not the case in Japan yet.

Nevertheless, some of the retailers have begun to offer products for breast cancer survivors. Nissen designs various types of underwear for during or the immediate aftermath of treatments and for post-surgery long-term use.

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Cultivating inclusive society for the women and their loved ones

At the moment, Japan is not a kind society to young parents, as underscored by the continued decline of childbirth rates. Imagine the difficulty facing breast cancer survivors who have, or want to have, children, without a sufficient safety net.

They should not have to abandon a dream of fulfilling their life with a loving family, if there is a system in place to look after them and their children, should they need extra help. Perhaps hospitals with breast cancer expertise could consider establishing scholarships; perhaps local governments could extend financial, educational and other counseling support for not only cancer patients but their family members. In an inclusive society, no one has to fight alone.