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Satoko Kono
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MA 04 - Advocacy: Listen to the Patients (ID 655)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Mini Oral
- Track: Patient Advocacy
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:Rudolf M Huber, C.L. Dégi
- Coordinates: 10/16/2017, 11:00 - 12:30, Room 313 + 314
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MA 04.09 - A Study on the Damage of Passive Smoking to Japanese Lung Cancer Patients (ID 8789)
11:55 - 12:00 | Author(s): Satoko Kono
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
Japan’s measures to prevent passive smoking are considered to be among the world’s worst. Creating smoke-free environments is an urgent task for Japan as it prepares to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games. In spring of 2017, discussions on a draft bill to strengthen measures against passive smoking were stalled due to opposition from within the ruling party. One lawmaker remarked that “(Cancer patients) don’t have to work”, indicating that patients can choose their occupation and avoid secondhand smoke as they wish. Against this backdrop, the Japan Lung Cancer Alliance conducted a survey on damage by secondhand smoke to cancer patients. Based on the survey’ result, this study aims to shed light on the problems experienced by lung cancer patients including the impact of secondhand smoke on their employment.
Method:
For 5 days from 28 May to 1 June 2017, a survey by questionnaires was conducted on lung cancer patients. The announcement of the survey was made by ten patient advocacy groups.
Result:
There were 231 responses, among which valid responses were 215. 91 percent of the respondents considered passive smoking “unpleasant” due to fears or anxieties for recurrence of lung cancer and/or hatred. It was found that among those respondents who were employed at the time of the survey, about 31 percent had been exposed to secondhand smoke at their workplace, and 4.2 percent had quitted their job. Not only at the work place, 6.2 percent of the respondents were exposed to the secondhand smoke at home, event after they were diagnosed as lung cancer.
Conclusion:
It is understood that working cancer patients worry about recurrence of cancer and/or hatred. Moreover, the experiences of those lung cancer patients who had left their job because of passive smoking reveal a lack of the freedom to choose their occupation. The urgent countermeasure is also required to prevent the passive smoking at home. Japan’s delay in adopting measures against passive smoking appears be related to an insufficient level of understanding in the society about difficulties faced by cancer patients. It is hoped that this study will draw attention to the damage by passive smoking to lung cancer patients and foster international support for the advocacy of legislation enacting stricter measures.
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P2.11 - Patient Advocacy (ID 712)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
- Track: Patient Advocacy
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 10/17/2017, 09:30 - 16:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C)
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P2.11-002 - To Live and Work with Lung Cancer: Coping Strategies of a Stage 4 Patient (ID 9626)
09:30 - 09:30 | Presenting Author(s): Satoko Kono
- Abstract
Background:
Due to significant advances in the treatment of the lung cancer, it has become possible now to live and work with the disease. However, keeping a good balance between work and treatment is still a challenge for many patients. The paper describes the coping strategies and positive effects of work on the condition and treatment outcomes for a stage 4 NSCLC patient.
Method:
Case study of a 56-year old Japanese male patient diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma NSCLC (stage 4) metastases in July 2010, and living and working with cancer for 7 years.
Result:
The patient’s treatment started with PTX CBDCA and Bev in July 2010. As EGFR was positive, Gefitinib was used for second and fourth line. Palliative care and cancer rehabilitation were also undertaken. The sixth line treatment was a clinical trial (1[st] Phase) of AZD9291 from Mar. 2014 to Jan. 2016. After a one-year interval, Osimertinib became again effective from Jan. 2017, especially for brain metastases. After diagnoses of cancer, the patient’s lifework became to create a society where people with cancer can live and work, even those with advanced stage cancer. He started the new project on “Working with Cancer” in his company and contributed to the publication of books and websites introducing various patient case studies. He has also helped to establish the Japan Lung Cancer Alliance in Nov. 2015. These activities provided fulfillment and motivation in the patient’s life and improved treatment outcomes.
Conclusion:
The experience of this patient indicated the link between the work and the longer survival. First, the patient identify his mission and remain conscious of it. We gain a sense of usefulness, of connection with society, and meaning in life through work. Second, the patient tried to manage his mindset and maintain his own QOLs. The life of the patient has had its ups and downs, but he never give up on the treatment. He kept the mindset not being too influenced or passive in the care, but more proactive and decisive. Third, the case shows the importance of cooperation from his co-workers and the patient effort to communicate with them. The patient's record about his treatment and condition helped his co-workers to adapt the situation. Fourth, the patient sought advice not only from the chief physician, but also from other specialized doctors, seeking second opinions, looking for clinical trial information. The patient tried to evaluate all the information and make his own decision.
