A year and a half of operation was closed first Cancer Survivors Clinic in our country, which has been operating since March 2023, in the outpatient clinics of the 2nd Pre-educational Pathology Clinic of PGN “Attikon». The clinic addresses all patients regardless of the type of cancer, but the majority, who have received its services to date, i.e. 90%, are women with breast cancer. As she mentions in her interview with the FM Agency and journalist Tania Madouvalou, professor of Oncology E.K.P.A., director of the Second Pre-Educational Pathology Clinic at the P.G.N. “Attikon”, Amanda Psirrithe support clinic for patients who have survived cancer has received to date 50 patients aged 22-75, mainly women from different socio-economic backgrounds. “Monitoring is done on a regular basis. On average there is a review within a month of the last meeting. During the first meeting, the first assessment is carried out, regarding the needs that the person himself has and an action plan is defined. Weighted questionnaires are used regarding the person’s general health (physical-mental), the need for exercise and psychological support. Particular importance is given to the issue of nutrition and the adoption of dietary habits suitable for each patient. A plan is drawn up and goals are set.”

The aim is to treat patients’ health, well-being and well-being holistically

According to the professor, there is collaboration with the therapeutic exercise department that operates in collaboration with the Orthopedic clinic. There, patients are evaluated by a specialized team regarding their capabilities and limitations and a personalized exercise plan is drawn up, which is carried out at the facilities of the Attica Hospital. “Even the doctor’s office Survivorship cooperates with the liaison psychiatry department, where people who need psychological support and medication are referred. The quality of sleep is also evaluated and in this area we have a collaboration with the pulmonology clinic. There is a cardio-oncology clinic that evaluates cardiac function and the possible burden from treatments, or detects risk by evaluating risk factors. At each meeting there is a re-evaluation of the initial goals and a feedback on what has been done, what is still needed, what made it difficult for the patient and the next steps are planned. The goal of the clinic is the holistic treatment of the health, well-being and well-being of the patients. It is a comprehensive effort to deal with the lives of patients, with the main concern being the improvement not only of their health but also of their overall lifestyle. Scientifically responsible is the academic scholarship holder of the clinic, Mrs. Popi Kalaitzi, who is a doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and does an excellent job, with the patients stating that they are very satisfied and the evaluation of the clinic is very positive.”

The ideal is to go as soon as one is diagnosed – Interconnection with all clinics

As the distinguished oncologist says, many patients report that cancer has made them love themselves. “Therefore, the holistic approach of this clinic contributes significantly both to general well-being, but also to the outcome of the disease itself.” As Mrs. Psirri explains, the clinic addresses all patients and not only those who have completed their treatments, as one would think from its title. “The ideal is for someone to come as soon as they are diagnosed, as it is a complementary part of the treatment. The clinic embraces the patient, connects them with all the other clinics, with the part of nutrition and exercise, where we have the SNF Program with the orthopedic clinic “Action for Cancer”, which we refer them to and they are assessed what kind of exercise they need. Therefore, instead of the patient trying to find what he needs on his own, an assessment of his needs is made and the bridge is created with all the other specialties.”

*Anyone who is interested can make an appointment every Monday 09:00-15:00 at 1535 and at the clinic’s secretariat 210-5831255