Athenex Oncology Launches ‘Facing MBC Together’ Campaign to Address Isolation for People Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

The campaign Facing MBC Together was launched by Athenex Oncology as a public education and patient support campaign that addresses isolation for patients living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The campaign highlights the stories of 9 people of diverse ages and backgrounds who share their insights about the challenges they face, sources of support, and words of encouragement for others living with MBC.

Facing MBC Together is intended to recognize the prevalence and impact of isolation on the lives of individuals with MBC. In a recent survey of 273 MBC patients and survivors from Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry, nearly one-third of participants reported moderate to very serious concerns about feeling lonely or isolated.

"The Facing MBC Together campaign reflects our desire to support the metastatic breast cancer community in meaningful ways," said Timothy Cook, senior vice president, global oncology at Athenex, in a press release. "Its launch is especially timely, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated patients' feelings of loneliness and isolation. By sharing the stories of a diverse group of people with MBC—eight women and one man—we aim to motivate patients to seek help to alleviate their isolation, and to remind them that they are not alone."

The campaign is a digital resource designed to enable those living with MBC to create a private support group to positively affect their well-being and/or lessen some of the burden of their day-to-day tasks, according to the press release.

The resource features a customizable calendar that allows supporters to fulfill a loved one’s everyday requests, such as driving them to treatment, walking a pet, delivering meals, or picking up groceries. In addition, the resource includes a real-time video channel that lets people connect live, 1-on-1 or in a group chat; a health update blog that may be used to share medical updates or other information about the people and families living with MBC; and a photo and video gallery, in which supporters can upload visual images to lift their loved one’s spirits, offer encouragement, and rally support.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our access to cancer treatments, clinical trials, and medical attention, and for many of us our mental health needs are being ignored,” said Stephanie, one of the patients profiled in the Facing MBC Together campaign in a press release. “Living with MBC has helped me to deal with panic, uncertainty, and isolation. Facing MBC Together, with its tangible resources, is invaluable for staying organized and getting extra support where needed."

Click here for more information on the campaign.

REFERENCE

Athenex Oncology launches Facing MBC Together campaign to address isolation for people living with metastatic breast cancer. Athenex. https://ir.athenex.com/news-releases/news-release-details/athenex-oncology-launches-facing-mbc-together-campaign-address-0. Published June 13, 2020. Accessed June 15, 2020.