Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, the crude incidence rate of breast cancer in 2019 was 116.6% per 100,000 female population, which means 116 per 100,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. A 36-year-old customer, Ms Cheng, was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer earlier, leaving her feeling helpless and confused without knowing much about breast cancer and related treatments. She was worried about whether this disease would pose a danger to her life as she was in her prime years. Later, Cigna's Care Manager followed up on her case to help her choose the suitable treatment options.
Unfortunately Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Her Thirties
Ms Cheng had earlier been diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast. She was admitted to a private hospital by a network doctor for a tumor removal operation. She was also required to receive magnetic resonance (MRI) and positive electronic scanning (PET-CT Scan) before surgery. Hoping to further assess cancer cells, Ms Cheng hesitated to undergo a breast removal operation and related examinations. On the one hand, she was not familiar with the treatment procedures. On the other hand, she feared that the examination would increase the risk of cancer cell spreading. She also wanted to seek a second medical advice from another expert on whether the operation was necessary. Eventually, she turned to Cigna for help, and Care Manager was assigned to follow up on the case.
After learning more about Ms Cheng's case, the Care Manager explained her condition and breast cancer treatment further. At the same time, the Care Manager told her that MRI examinations could identify the location of the cancer cells and even those hidden in inner areas, especially in patients with higher breast density. A PET-CT Scan is also necessary to assess whether cancer cells have spread to other organs.
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Both Breasts
Ms Cheng received the examination after her concerns were answered. During the examination, the doctor found that the other breast, the left breast, also had a calcification point. However, the cancer cells of both breasts did not spread to other organs. Having cancer in both breasts was a bolt from the blue, making her mind completely blank.
Care Manager Provides Medical Advice and Support
Besides emotional support, Care Manager also introduced some breast cancer support groups for her to meet more companions who might share about their battles against cancer. In addition, Care Manager has also explained the report in detail again for Ms Cheng, helping her understand her condition and receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible. After the surgery, Ms Cheng was referred to a suitable oncologist for chemotherapy by Care Manager. She managed to keep her condition under control. The chemotherapy went well and she is recovering from the cancer treatment. Afterwards, Care Manager discussed and provided her with rehabilitation advice. She is now considering to schedule a breast reconstruction surgery after fully recovery from the chemotherapy. Ms Cheng thanked Cigna for providing support, encouragement and care in all aspects of her fight against cancer, which empowered her to win the battle against cancer.
Getting Knocked down in Life by the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
An unfortunate diagnosis of breast cancer can make the patient who faces an uncertain future fall into depression. At first, you may feel shocked and unbelievable and even want to deny the fact. Then you may become angry about your fate, followed by fear and desperation. You may keep looking for online information about different ways to treat breast cancer in the form of hearsay and even try some folk healing practices. The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation has advised breast cancer patients to share their feelings with their spouse, relatives and friends, support groups and even doctors to ease their anxiety and tension. If you don’t want to fight cancer alone, try the following tips:
- Share your personal feelings about the fight against the disease with friends who have a more positive mind on life
- Join breast cancer support groups to share the benefits of mutual love and support
- You can obtain both practical and spiritual support through discussions with fellow patients to exchange information on common concerns, such as skills to cope with the changes in the condition and the effects of the treatments
- After recovery, participate in breast cancer volunteer groups to help fellow patients can bring more meaning to your own life
- When your physical conditions allow, chill out with family and friends, such as walking in the park and going out for a family outing
- Build up religious beliefs and personal hobbies for some sustenance
Cigna’s Care Manager Provides You with Heart-warming Services
At present, Cigna’s customers can receive our Healthcare Concierge Service when receiving treatment, including a dedicated Care Manager for follow-up. The services are as follows:
- Staffed by registered nurses and provide customers with professional advisory if they are facing health issue
- Understands and analyzes the health condition of customers, and offers network doctor options
- Coordinates and follows up on hospital surgery or treatment arrangements and post-surgery visit
- Provides information on improving health, and post-discharge follow-up in person(for example, arranging post-discharge physiotherapy, nutrition guidance, meal delivery service, and more)
- Refers you to personalized services (for example, local limousine transportation to the hospital, nursing arrangements, virtual consultation, medication delivery, home modification, and more)
- Provides emotional support for customers and their family
- Helps arrange “Cigna Health Services At Home” to reduce the risk of infection
The above content is adapted from real cases. Should you have any questions regarding the above case, please contact Cigna for inquiries.
The content of the article cannot substitute for professional opinions or diagnosis of the attending doctors. Should you have any questions regarding the medical treatment plan, please consult your attending doctor.
The content of the article cannot substitute for professional opinions or diagnosis of the attending doctors. Should you have any questions regarding the medical treatment plan, please consult your attending doctor.
Cigna HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan offers comprehensive and personalized medical coverage across the stage prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery, with a range of hospital and surgical benefits, optional insurance benefits with an annual limit of up to HK$50 million, personalized health assessment, three critical illnesses(cancer, stroke and heart attack) all-rounded care and international medical concierge service. A 360-degree total health protection that spans across all the key stages of your health journey. Learn more here.
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