Petra Ibum Adjah on why a professional matters in navigating cancer information
Petra Ibum Adjah, Communications Manager at Pink Africa Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“There is a lot of information about cancer floating around the internet, and most of the time it may be overwhelming for people searching for answers.
What would I advise?
Speak with a professional.
Conversations, whether face-to-face or over the phone, are fundamental for alleviating overwhelming feelings by validating or correcting misinformation from online sources.
It can also provide personalised, relevant information tailored to individual circumstances and help understand complex medical terminology and concepts.
Personalised guidance connects patients with relevant resources and support services and provides recommendations for lifestyle changes, self-care, and coping strategies.
There’s also the emotional support and reassurance offered from the place of an experienced professional when fears, anxieties, and concerns are addressed in a supportive environment.
Professionals who can offer support:
- Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
- Specialists, e.g., oncologists
- Nurse practitioners
- Therapists
- Social Workers
- Patient Navigators
- Patient Advocates
- Support Groups
To maximise the benefits:
- Prepare questions and concerns beforehand.
- Be open and honest about symptoms, feelings, and experiences.
- Take notes and ask for clarification. Nothing wrong with asking question after question.
This is to encourage those researching medical conditions online to seek professional support for a more informed, reassuring, and personalised experience.”
More posts featuring Petra Ibum Adjah.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023