The basic idea of the “justASKus” project is to create a holistic follow-up care concept focussing on body image, sexuality and fertility, which should offer both easy-to-access information and the possibility to share stories with others affected by cancer as well as physical experiences in practical exercises. Furthermore, we would like to improve the training of health care personnel on these subjects so as to extend the group of possible contacts for patients. In order to integrate as many points of view as possible in the design of our project and thus meet the needs of adolescents and young adults affected by cancer as well as possible, we put together an interdisciplinary team with representatives from various areas of care for those affected by cancer as well as one survivor, and, in December 2021, we founded the justASKus association. We also want to make our patients’ voices heard and include them in the development of our services because our services should not only be defined FOR but also WITH our cancer patients!
We want to achieve this as follows:
- Access to suitable information (website)
- Personal support (ASK Clinic, workshops)
- Opportunities to share information and stories with others affected by cancer in a protected setting (website, workshops)
- Improvement in handling the relevant issues and increasing the number of partners by training medical personnel (communication workshops)
- Long-term expansion of the service throughout Switzerland
What is the justASKus project for…
Astrid Ahler
Founder and President, Physician specialized in fertility, hormonal disorders, sexual medicine, Head of the ASK Clinic, Fertisuisse
“In addition to fertility counselling, it is important for me to support cancer patients to feel at home in their bodies again. Because that is the only way we can learn to love ourselves and actually have the courage to let someone else into our lives. Sexuality is also an important source when it comes to feeling connected to another person, and yet, it sometimes can be so difficult to discover your own sexuality or to enjoy it lighthearted /unburdened to the full again without having any worries. There is not enough focus on all these topics and so questions tend to remain unanswered. And that is precisely why I hope that the service we provide can support those affected by cancer and accompany them on their way.”
Dr. med. Sjanneke Beutler
Physician specialized in fertility, hormonal disorders, adolescent gynaecology, Fertisuisse
“As a physician, it is important for me to empower both girls and women with knowledge and give them the space to discuss the various issues that are important to them at any particular time. Particularly after cancer therapy, patients should be given the opportunity to take advantage of support that focuses on the physical and psychological changes which may only come to light after cancer therapy. I am really pleased to be contributing to this project.”
Dr. med. Tamara Diesch
Senior Consultant in pediatric oncology and hematology, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB)
“As a physician, it is important for me to empower both girls and women with knowledge and give them the space to discuss the various issues that are important to them at any particular time. Particularly after cancer therapy, patients should be given the opportunity to take advantage of support that focuses on the physical and psychological changes which may only come to light after cancer therapy. I am really pleased to be contributing to this project.”
Andreas Dörner
Psychooncologist, Head of Psychological Services, Claraspital
“As a psychologist on the cancer ward, I have often seen how plans and dreams patients had had for their lives necessarily had to be adapted or even abandoned. It should not be a question of a man or woman just getting through the disease but in fact that they are then able to lead a life worth living. The prerequisite for this is feeling at home in your own body, feeling attractive and knowing that you are loved. That is exactly why I want to be part of “justASKus”, a platform that gives access to good and professional contacts who provide advice on love – body image – sexuality – and wanting a family for people who have had a chronic illness.”
Olivia Frick
Survivor, adult haematology/oncology nurse, USB
“In my professional life I am a qualified nurse and have specialised in looking after patients in oncology and haematology. But I am more than that – because I am one of you. I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16 and have thus been a cancer survivor ever since. To be diagnosed with cancer at such a young age can have a negative impact on how you see your own body, as well as on sexuality and fertility. That certainly affected me and I was glad that someone was there to help me. I hope that we can also help you to overcome these problems because you are not alone.”
Dr. med Simone Göttler
Physician specialized in adolescent gynaecology, psychosomatics, sexual medicine, Centramed Riehen
“I feel that being able to lend an ear and make space for questions and exchange is a significant part of counselling for those affected. I truly believe that it is important to have an appreciative and responsible attitude to dealing with your own body, and that is something that can be difficult during or after an illness. I enjoy being able to contribute my experience and commitment to the counselling and care of affected people.”
Melanie Lejeune
Treasurer. Paediatric haematology/oncology nurse, UKBB
“At work, I have noticed that hardly anything is said about sexuality and how patients see their own body. That’s why I would like to offer patients, their families and my colleagues a platform where they can receive quick and uncomplicated help.”
PD Gideon Sartorius
Physician specialized in fertility, hormonal disorders, andrology (men’s health), sexual medicine, Fertisuisse, USB
“As a doctor, I have specialised in questions of sexuality and male and female sex hormones for years now. The various different types of cancer and their treatment are often extremely stressful – however old you are. In my opinion, it is essential that questions about your own sexuality and fertility can be discussed in an uncomplicated and understandable way. And that’s what I am here for!”
Dies wollen wir erreichen durch:
- Zugang zu adäquater Information (Webseite, App),
- Persönlicher Unterstützung (ASK Sprechstunde, Workshops),
- Austauschmöglichkeit mit anderen Krebsbetroffenen im geschützten Rahmen (Webseite, Workshops)
- Verbesserung des Umgangs mit den Themen und Erweitern von Ansprechpartnern durch Schulung von medizinischem Personal (Kommunikationsworkshops)
- Langfristig Ausbau des Angebotes schweizweit
Contact
Write us an e-mail. We are looking forward to your question!
hello@justaskus.ch