The Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital participates in the Gala of Tribute to Patients and Caregivers organized by the SEOM

Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit

The gala became a space for meeting and recognizing people with cancer, their caregivers, and patient associations. Dr. Aránzazu González del Alba, medical oncologist at the Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, participated in the event to reflect on the social impact of cancer and the role of the oncologist in providing comprehensive care for the patient.

On September 29, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) organized a Gala in Honor of Cancer Patients and Caregivers, under the motto ‘SEOM, 50 years accompanying lives’. The event, held at the Meliá Castilla Hotel in Madrid, brought together more than 400 people, including patients, family members, caregivers, associations, healthcare professionals, and social representatives.

The goal of the event was to put cancer patients at the center and reflect on the needs beyond their illness, and to recognize the people who contribute to their care and improve their quality of life.

Beyond the treatment

The Gala was organized around three round tables that addressed essential issues for patients and caregivers related to life after a cancer diagnosis, its social impact, and the value of support. During the first roundtable, titled «Living after the diagnosis: social, labor, and economic impact,» the consequences of cancer on a person’s life were discussed, not only regarding treatment but also in social and emotional aspects.

In this session, Dr. Aránzazu González del Alba, medical oncologist and coordinator of the Genitourinary Cancer Unit at the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Majadahonda, reflected on the role of the medical professional in medical communication and support during the diagnosis of cancer, as it is a delicate moment for the patient.

Specifically, Dr. Aránzazu highlighted that managing and treating cancer is not only relevant, but also being present and accompanying the patient. In an interview, the specialist explained to us that “the emotional impact of diagnosing cancer and the implications it has on the patient’s work, social, and sexual life are important aspects to consider, and they must be addressed from a multidisciplinary perspective with the integration of other specialists such as psycho-oncologists, rehabilitators, social workers, and palliative care specialists.”.

Dr. Aránzazu pointed out that “the oncologist must not only manage the scientific evidence to improve patient treatment and ensure access to innovation and research, but must also be present throughout the entire course of the disease, ensuring emotional support and a good quality of life with an integrated cancer strategy that includes other specialists.” Furthermore, she highlighted the essential work carried out by patient associations, by providing information, offering support, and caring for patients on a daily basis.

Other topics that have been discussed at this event have included comprehensive oncological care for patients with cancer, multidisciplinary approaches, and the value of support throughout the entire process, through the roundtables «Well-being and quality of life: caring is also healing» and «The value of support». In this vein, at the end of the Gala, work was also recognized for those individuals, associations, institutions, and media outlets that contribute to the care and support of patients with cancer, as well as to their social visibility and the communication of scientific advances.

Commitment to patients

This event allows us to highlight the importance of listening to patients and incorporating their perspective throughout the entire disease process. Through their participation, the Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital reinforces its commitment to patients and its positioning as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), highlighting a model of comprehensive, personalized, and humanized oncology care aimed at providing the best response to the needs of patients and caregivers, based on clinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and continuous innovation.