Facing Cancer & Chemotherapy: An Interview with Pop-Culture Icon and Survivor, Adamari López
(BPT) - Adamari López is an internationally acclaimed actress and an Emmy®-award winning television personality. In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy as part of her treatment plan. She has been in remission since 2006.
Drawing from her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, Adamari has become a vocal advocate for breast cancer patients internationally. In her latest effort, Adamari has teamed up with Amgen on the Chemotherapy: Myths or FactsTM initiative to encourage other Hispanic patients facing chemotherapy to seek the critical information they need to make informed decisions with their doctors.
Adamari offers a look into her chemotherapy journey and new advocacy project in the following interview.
What was it like, learning that you had breast cancer?
I will never forget how shocked I was. I felt healthy – and yet my body was in crisis. I knew I had to act quickly, so I worked with my oncologist to develop a treatment plan. I was afraid, but also determined to face my treatment with a positive and informed outlook.
How did you feel about undergoing chemotherapy?
I had heard the experiences of others who had gone through chemotherapy, but I needed to find out the facts for myself. So, naturally, I went online to learn more. I also spoke openly with my doctor about my questions and concerns. Educating myself helped me understand what to expect and maintain an optimistic attitude – which was very important to my treatment experience.
Did you find the information about chemotherapy you needed?
I found so much information, which was great, but I was surprised by the limited number of resources that were available in Spanish – especially after I later learned that one in two Hispanic men and one in three Hispanic women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.1
What did you learn about chemotherapy through your research and conversations with your doctor?
I learned that there are many commonly held myths about chemotherapy that were quickly dispelled based on my research and conversations with my doctor. For example, I thought chemotherapy would only target my cancerous cells; however, I learned that it can also damage normal cells. 2
I also had questions about side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss and nausea. But I didn’t realize that side effects can vary by person and type of chemotherapy treatment. 3
What do you want the nearly 650,000 cancer patients in the U.S. facing chemotherapy each year to know?
There is so much information available about chemotherapy, but not all of it is true. There are myths frequently associated with chemotherapy, and everyone should arm themselves with the facts before starting treatment. As chemotherapy impacts each person differently, it’s also important to speak openly with your doctor to fully understand the treatment, how it might impact you and how to manage its effects.
What about Hispanic patients, in particular?
Research shows Hispanic adults faced with a cancer diagnosis have specific challenges when undergoing treatment. Not only are many decisions guided by cultural factors – including language, beliefs, values, and traditions – but research also shows that Hispanics may experience a disproportionately higher level of stress related to their cancer treatment.1,4
Spanish-language resources that address misconceptions about chemotherapy and provide the facts may help patients and caregivers address some of these challenges. That’s why I’ve decided to team up with Amgen on Chemotherapy: Myths or Facts™, an initiative that recently launched a new Spanish-language website at www.miquimioterapia.com. This site provides educational resources, videos and downloadable materials to help patients take charge of their chemotherapy journey by becoming informed and speaking openly with their doctors.
Chemotherapy: Myths or Facts™ is sponsored by Amgen.
References
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos: 2012-2014. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-034778.pdf. Last accessed Oct. 2014.
- National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy and You. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you. Last accessed Nov. 2014: 1.
- National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy and You. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you. Last accessed Nov. 2014: 14.
- National Cancer Institute. Stress Management Therapy for Chemotherapy Patients. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/featured/trials/mcc-0502. Last accessed Oct. 2014.