Alma Fredricksen and her partner were about to start a family when she discovered a lump in her breast. After mammography and ultrasound, it was clear that she had breast cancer. On the same day, she found out that she was pregnant – news that made the situation even more emotional. Fredricksen began a course of chemotherapy and discovered that many of the drugs administered were supplied by Fresenius Kabi, the company she worked for. This gave her peace of mind – and filled her with pride.
“Fresenius Kabi products were used throughout my treatment, from the chemotherapy to the birth of my daughter. I have now regained my health and given birth to a healthy child,” says Fredricksen, who was treated in the US. What the patient experienced completely changed her view of her company. “I have first-hand knowledge of how my colleagues work every day to help ensure that patients like me receive comprehensive care and the best possible therapy,” she says.
Terrifying diagnosis: breast cancer. But the chances of being cured are higher than ever
Breast cancer. Words that can stop a person in their tracks and turn their life upside down in an instant. With around 74,500 new cases each year, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Germany – and around 700 men are also affected.
But the chances of being cured are now higher than ever. Thanks to better screening and modern forms of treatment, mortality rates are continuously falling. “Education delivered by experts is particularly important,” says Prof. Vesna Bjelic-Radisic, Chief Physician in the Breast Center at Helios University Hospital Wuppertal (HUKW). “It is equally essential that women take advantage of the screening services. Studies reveal that more consistent participation in mammography screening programs could prevent a further 20 to 30 percent of deaths. The earlier we detect breast cancer, the greater the chances of a cure.”
Fresenius – a company with a common mission to ensure the best possible care for patients
Fresenius is synonymous with modern medicine and reliable care – worldwide. Whether in hospitals, laboratories, production facilities, outpatient clinics, or administration offices, people everywhere are pursuing the same goal – to improve the lives of patients. This mission ranges from prevention and diagnosis to therapy and aftercare, with the focus always on people – as patients, relatives or employees. That is especially the case for breast cancer treatment, where medical teams and researchers work closely together to ensure the best possible care.
Fresenius Kabi plays an important role along the care journey
Fresenius Kabi plays an important role along the care journey, with Pharma and Nutrition in the focus. This means not only during the therapy itself, but also in the prehabilitation stage – i.e., when preparing for procedures – and in the course of outpatient aftercare.
Fresenius Kabi offers a wide range of oncology medicines, including chemotherapeutic drugs and biosimilars, which are also used in breast cancer treatment.
Adequate and suitable nutrition for patients undergoing oncological treatment is an area of high unmet need and one that Fresenius Kabi can support with specialized products in both parenteral and enteral nutrition, to help improve quality of life outcomes and reduce side effects.
Helios delivers expertise and empathy in breast cancer care provision
Helios has over 50 certified breast centers in Germany, where doctors from across a wide range of disciplines work closely together. Modern imaging techniques, minimally invasive surgery, and systemic and personalized therapy are all standard here, along with aftercare and rehabilitation services. The medical and nursing teams not only guarantee high-quality medical care, but also provide education and offer psychosocial support with a great deal of empathy.
“A cancer diagnosis never affects the body alone,” says Prof. Vesna Bjelic-Radisic “We support our patients through all phases – from their initial diagnosis to their return to life. Rather than just treating the tumor, it’s about seeing the whole person in their life situation.”
Quirónsalud professionals use cutting-edge multidisciplinary procedures
Quirónsalud, the main private hospital operator in Spain and part of the Fresenius Group, also offers breast cancer patients the highest level of care. At its centers, professionals use cutting-edge multidisciplinary procedures: from digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis to intraoperative radiotherapy and personalized hormonal and chemotherapy treatments.
Special emphasis is always placed on individualized therapy: interdisciplinary teams adapt each treatment to the type of biological tumor and the patient’s circumstances. “Compared to recent years, we are witnessing a revolution in the early diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. In both early and advanced disease, the majority of patients are cured, and the most chronic patients have an excellent life prognosis,” explains Dr. Lucía Gonzalez Cortijo, head of the Medical Oncology Service at Quirónsalud Madrid University Hospital.
Fresenius is also actively involved in research
Fresenius is also actively involved in research. One model institution is Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, whose breast center under the direction of Prof. Vesna Bjelic-Radisic was named “Germany’s best study center” by the German Breast Group. Patients are given access to innovative therapies here – often long before they are generally available.
Another hotbed of research can be found at Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch, where Prof. Michael Untch has been researching antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for over 20 years. These combine targeted antibodies with cell-killing agents and offer new hope, particularly for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options. In a long-term study, around 90 percent of women who received such medicine survived – even though they previously had a very poor prognosis.
Quirónsalud is also involved in international studies on new diagnostic and treatment approaches – focusing on the combination of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, for example. Its centers in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville are conducting various Phase II and III studies in conjunction with the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Spanish universities, and other European partners. Fresenius employees are committed to rising to all these challenges with the aim of enabling patients to make a return to leading a normal, healthy life.
Just like Alma Fredricksen: Following her successful treatment, she has returned to work and resumed her former life. And is grateful to be part of it all again. “Behind every order, every project, and every decision are people who we can help in a very specific way,” says Fredricksen.
Further information
Further information and the latest articles on the subject of breast cancer can be found on the Helios website: www.helios-gesundheit.de/brustkrebs