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invisible_woman

The Invisible Woman 2.0

The Invisible Woman 2.0 report is a policy-driven initiative which aims to drive change for women living with advanced breast cancer (aBC).

It’s been seven years since the first Invisible Woman report (The Here & Now report) revealed the impact of advanced breast cancer on women, families, society and the economy across Europe. The Invisible Woman 2.0 2019 report explores progress made and, most importantly, work that still needs to be done to better support women with advanced breast cancer.

“It is important that we continue to support our patients; that we keep lobbying and contributing to research, and that the patients’ voices remain the driving force of what we do.”

Dr Fatima Cardoso
Breast Unit,
Champalimaud Clinical Center/
Champalimaud Foundation,
Lisbon, Portugal

“I would urge you to read this report and appreciate that the voice of these women has been harnessed once more and that these data can assist us in sourcing and achieving their support needs.”

Dr Victoria Harmer
Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust, London, UK

summary

Key insights from the The Invisible Woman 2.0 report

Breast cancer kills more women in Europe than any other cancer. Most of these deaths are a result of metastatic disease (advanced breast cancer). From an economic perspective, a report found that breast cancers accounted for some of the highest costs of all cancer-related healthcare in 2009 in the EU.

ABC is often incurable and sometimes affects women in the prime of their lives, when they have both a career and childcare responsibilities. The 2019 The Invisible Woman 2.0 Report confirms the findings of the first report published in 2013: a diagnosis of aBC has huge personal, societal and economic impact.

  • Quality of life (QoL) is the biggest area of unmet need, with access to care cited as important to women living with aBC.
  • In 2019, advanced breast cancer is having a larger impact on women’s personal finance. The practical and emotional consequences associated with financial stress have also worsened over the years.
  • Many women feel isolated and helpless, and often withdrawn from society. Day-to-day living becomes a struggle, with most metastatic breast cancer patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or a loss of confidence.
  • There continues to be a lack of provision of information and support, particularly around financial help and counselling. In fact, fewer patients in 2019 found the information provided by healthcare professionals (HCPs) useful than those surveyed in 2013 did. However, patients continue to appreciate more time with their doctor.

Our hope is that the findings from this report will help equip policy makers and other stakeholders in Europe with the knowledge necessary to drive change for the benefit of patients and societies alike.

Explore all the findings from the research by downloading a free copy of both reports by clicking the link below:

Experience the real-life stories and testimonies of women living with advanced breast cancer by watching the interactive Invisible Woman video above

As we grow, we evolve to find ways to make everyday chores, challenges and routines faster so that we can be more productive in our daily lives. As humans, we have been granted this incredible gift of smart, efficient working to make the most of how we spend our time. But does this make us happy or any more conscious of the things that really matter? Do we truly appreciate the precious gift of time?

Sometimes it takes something big to wake us up. Reaching an important milestone or the death of a loved one. Or being diagnosed with cancer. Can one moment in time encourage us to appreciate the value of the everyday?

For people living with advanced breast cancer, time matters. Time gives people the opportunity to continue enjoying life, fulfilling their purpose amongst loved ones, communities and work. The My Time, Our Time – The Invisible Woman 2.0 initiative explores this through reflection and storytelling.

From immersing oneself fully into the everyday, to redefining ambitions, to embracing the life these women have been given and facing each challenge head on.

Experience the many ways in which women with advanced breast cancer appreciate and live their lives – spending time with loved ones, travelling more and feeling less guilty. Investing in time with friends and make amends…

Explore the meaning of time and feeling alive…

“Time that is lost or not enjoyed is not recovered and, that time, is the greatest treasure we possess. When you have metastatic cancer, time means life; life to love, share, enjoy, fulfil dreams. So, let no one forget to take good advantage of your time.”

aBC Patient

“I'm still good company, I'm still a good friend, I can still be a good wife. I can support my kids I can still be a good daughter to my parents, a good sister. That's what I can control and maybe doing that and having a good attitude with the tie I've got left I can make it good quality time”

aBC Patient

Invisible woman in Europe

The Invisible woman 2.0 Installation

The Invisible Woman 2.0 at ABC5
At ABC5 we launched the Invisible Woman 2.0 interactive installation. The immersive experience allowed visitors to explore patient stories and real-life experiences of aBC through reflection and storytelling under the themes of time and feeling alive

The Advanced Breast Cancer 5th (ABC5) is ESO-ESMO International Consensus Conference took place in Lisbon, 14-16 November 2019. The primary goal of the conference is the development of international consensus guidelines for the management of aBC patients. Around 1,400 oncologists, HCPs, patients/patient advocates and industry representatives attended the congress.

“From today’s installation I can relate more to my patients and I can see them more holistically.”

Healthcare professional

“I think when I see the patients next, I’ll think about communication again, it will give me a better insight. I’ll allow them to talk more.”

Healthcare professional