15th October 2024

Teleperformance Greece Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

As part of Teleperformance Greeceā€™s Pink October ā€œStrength, Survival, and Supportā€ discussion, Dr. Sofia Balamoti, an experienced oncoplastic breast surgeon, shared valuable insights into breast cancer.

It was a privilege to hear her perspective, not just as a medical professional, but as someone deeply committed to raising awareness and empowering women to take control of their health. Her talk was a reminder of the importance of early detection, the evolving treatments available, and the emotional and social impact breast cancer has on everyone involved.

 

Breast Cancer is a Global Challenge we can fight.

 

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer affecting women worldwide, and Dr. Balamoti was clear: while the numbers are significant, there is hope.

She emphasized that we now have excellent screening tools like advanced 3D mammograms and breast MRIs that allow us to detect cancer early when itā€™s most treatable. “The earlier we find it, the higher the chance of a cure,” she explained.

 

 

What We Can and Canā€™t Control

Dr. Balamoti explained that while genetic factors like family history are important, they arenā€™t the only risk factors for breast cancer. Lifestyle choices also matter. Smoking, for example, increases the risk, as do certain other environmental and lifestyle factors. She encouraged women to be open with their doctors about their family history and habits so they can receive personalized advice on managing their risk.

More importantly, she framed breast cancer not just as a health issue but as a social one. The impact of a diagnosis doesnā€™t just stop at physical healthā€”it affects families, work-life balance, and mental well-being. Dr. Sofiaā€™s holistic approach reminds us that surviving breast cancer isnā€™t just about treating the disease, but also about caring for the person as a whole.

 

Personalized Care for Better Outcomes

We live in an era where breast cancer treatment has become more personalized than ever before. Dr. Balamoti explained that breast cancer treatments today are tailored to the individual, meaning that every womanā€™s treatment plan is as unique as her diagnosis. Whether itā€™s surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy, treatments are designed to maximize the chance of recovery and minimize the impact on the patientā€™s quality of life.

Whatā€™s particularly important, noted, is addressing the emotional and physical aftermath of treatment. “We need to talk about recovery and the cosmetic outcomes for women,” she said. Breast cancer doesnā€™t just leave physical scars; it can affect how women see themselves. Helping women regain their confidence post-treatment is an important part of the healing process.

The Importance of Early Detection

One of the most powerful messages Dr. Balamoti delivered was about the importance of early detection. Regular breast self-exams and being aware of changes in your body are crucial steps in catching breast cancer early. “Youā€™ll likely be the first to notice if something feels different,” she explained.

However, she also urged women not to panic if they feel something unusual. Many breast changes, especially in women of reproductive age, are hormonal. Fortunately, access to affordable and reliable breast cancer screening in Greece has improved, making it easier for women to get the care they need.

 

Support is Not Just About the Patient

Dr. Balamoti perspective on support was especially moving. She shared how breast cancer doesnā€™t just affect the woman diagnosedā€”it deeply impacts her family and loved ones.The hardest part isnā€™t always telling the patientā€ She said. “Itā€™s managing the emotions of everyone around them.”

Often, family members feel helpless or overwhelmed, and having clear information and guidance helps them cope. Dr. Balamoti emphasized that support is crucial at every stage, not just for the patient, but for the entire support system. ā€œSupport is the cornerstone of this journey,ā€ she said, highlighting how everyone around the patient plays a role in recovery.

 

More Women Taking Action Early

In closing, Dr. Balamoti shared an optimistic outlook: more and more women are taking proactive steps when it comes to their breast health. She sees more women coming in for screenings, doing their homework, and asking the right questions. This growing awareness is reducing the number of advanced cases, giving more women the chance to catch breast cancer early, when itā€™s most treatable.

Teleperformance Greece is Committed to Raising Awareness

Through events like the ā€œStrength, Survival, and Supportā€ panel, Teleperformance Greece is committed to raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting both employees and the wider community. Dr. Balamotiā€™s insights remind us how important it is to stay informed, proactive, and supportiveā€”whether youā€™re the patient, a family member, or a colleague.

At Teleperformance, we believe in creating a culture of care, where we empower our teams to prioritize their health, take preventive measures, and provide support to those affected by breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by spreading awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting those on their journey to recovery.