With 377,000 new diagnoses last year, tumours are on the increase in Italy. However, thanks to diagnostic and therapeutic progress both survival and quality of life for patients is on the rise and cured patients are increasing, too. Prevention remains the best and most efficient cure, especially during a pandemic. The message was received yesterday by 1000 students connected on-line for the Project J live event for World Cancer Day (Feb. 4, 2021). The session provided a debated amongst the most important scientific companies and associations active in haematology and oncology.
Let’s review the day [see news: Growing Up During the Emergency] with some excerpts from the various presentations.
Can we defeat the onset of cancer? No, that depends on the configuration of our systems, but we can defeat it in terms of cures. Lifestyles depend on individuals, who are those who must make sure cancer does not become a problem. It depends on the lifestyle that you choose today.
Giordano Beretta, National President, Italian Medical Oncology Association (AIOM)
Janssen is committed to research. You could say the research is in our DNA. Since the 18th century, we have gained a month of life every four thanks to pharmaceutical innovation. As a company we strive to be close to and listen to all patients. In our age, it is essential to educate, inform and communicate with youth. This is why we have decided to collaborate on Project J. Youth are still better than anyone else at using digital channels and this is why they are fundamental to allow the ill to feel included with dignity and value. And we can contribute to the development of a value ecosystem in which anyone can find information and support, even just through listening and empathy. Emotional presence is the initial form of cure.
Loredana Bergamini, Medical Director, Janssen Italia
During the pandemic, AIOM has drafted a document to orient oncologists of the future. We asked medical specialization students what they felt was missing from their education. They answered “communication.” And not just in terms of patient-oncologist relations, but also internally with other staff. Thus, what emerged was the need for elements that could drive them towards correct communication to prepare a new class of oncologists to face the challenges of the future.”
Saverio Cinieri, President elect, AIOM
In just a few years’ time, research can contribute to changing the lives and prognoses for many patients, but we always need to listen to our bodies and go for check-ups. Thanks to the progress of research, haematological-oncological pathologies that affect youth have become highly curable. Yet, just a few years ago, such a prognosis was a terrible omen.
Lucia Farina, haematologist-oncologist at the Fondazione IRCCS National Tumour Institute and Spokesperson for the Italian Haematology Society (SIE)
We are certain about the value of Factor J and the importance of exposing young men and women to such issues. We firmly believe that we must help youth develop their empathy. Indeed, forty percent of youth declared they felt uneasy with illness. This means they recognize the function of emotional intelligence but have difficulty expressing their emotions when faced with illness. This is what drove us to developing the “I’m a student and I will take action” Programme. Personal commitment can drive youth to take care of their bodies and act with empathy and respect towards others. And we are convinced that all youth are capable of this.
Mirta Michilli, Director General, Fondazione Mondo Digitale
I still remember with trepidation my 18th birthday that mean I could sign up with AIDO and ADMO to donate. Understanding your adversary, knowing how to adapt your body to make the most out of extreme situations is what we do. I’m certain that sacrifice, resilience and a profound knowledge of our adversary can be introduced into daily life, in school and prevention.
Umberto Pelizzari, World Champion, Deep Apnoea
I was a normal girl, just like any other. Then strange symptoms suddenly emerged. I immediately took some medical tests and was diagnosed with cancer at 23. The AIL Association took care of me since my first hospitalization. After four transfusions, I understood how people that daily conduct activities like donating blood had saved my life. I understood that I would transmit this message onwards as soon as I could. And now I am an AIL collaborator. If you are lucky, you must understand how many lives you can save by donating blood.
Laura Tramuto, Patient, Italian Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Association (AIL)
Factor J, promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale with Janssen Italia, is the first Italian school curriculum for educating students to develop emotional intelligence, respect and empathy towards individuals suffering from unease of disease. This is an important social operation to stimulate a change in mentality and culture in the new generations.
