Cancer forum in Vorarlberg addresses life beyond treatment

ORF reported that the Oncology Network Vorarlberg and Cancer Aid Vorarlberg held an information day on Saturday for people with cancer and their relatives. Under the motto “What helps and feels good”, lectures, expert discussions and workshops examined not only medical treatment but also everyday life with cancer.

The event at the parish centre in Feldkirch-Altenstadt addressed questions that can follow a cancer diagnosis, including how life can continue and how to cope with despair.

About 2,500 new cases each year

Continued advances in diagnosis and treatment mean that many tumours can be treated more effectively than they were 10 years ago. Evaluations by the cancer registry of aks gesundheit GmbH show rising survival rates, including for breast, bowel and prostate cancer.

According to the registry, about 2,500 people in Vorarlberg are newly affected by tumour diseases each year. The figure is the average for 2019 to 2023.

Patients and their relatives must also deal with the effects of the disease on their social environment, work, diet and quality of life. Fear, depression, physical changes and sexuality can also become sources of stress. Speakers at the event said that modern medical treatment therefore needs to be accompanied by psychosocial support and counselling that assists patients and relatives as a whole.

Support from diagnosis onwards

“Comprehensive care is very important to us at Feldkirch Hospital,” said Thomas Winder, head of its Department of Internal Medicine II and coordinator of the Oncology Network Vorarlberg. Patients and relatives should feel well supported in a difficult situation, he said, adding that medical care should be combined with a view of the person as a whole and access to additional advice and support.

The event aimed to encourage dialogue between experts and people affected by cancer. Winder also presented an Anchor Care project, which aims to reduce hospital stays and hospital contacts while remaining close to patients and responding early to side effects or questions.

Psycho-oncologist Simone Bösch said psychological support was also needed because of the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Psychologists should join consultations about an initial diagnosis or disease progression, together with patients, relatives and the doctor responsible for the case. This should show patients and relatives that a team is working together from the outset.

Exercise as part of care

Exercise was another focus of the event. Rainer Simader, a physiotherapist with Hospiz Österreich, said physical activity was an important “medication” in both cancer prevention and treatment. It can also improve quality of life because losing strength and endurance can restrict everyday activities.

Patients should be shown where limits apply and when caution is needed, Simader said. The main aim, however, was to encourage movement as an essential part of daily life.