A team of lecturers from the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Padjadjaran launched a book entitled “Hope & Help for The Breast Cancer Journey: Harapan dan Pertolongan untuk Perjuangan Menghadapi Kanker Payudara”. This book is the result of collaborative thinking and research to inspire readers, especially women, about breast cancer.

The Fapsi Unpad lecturer team wrote the book, namely Aulia Iskandarsyah, M.Psi, M.Sc, PhD, Heri Setyowibowo, M.Psi, PhD, adjunct professor of Fapsi Prof. Jan Passchier, PhD, and assisted by Psychology Profession student Hafiza Putri Sukmana, S.Psi.

In addition to these three, the book also includes authors from other scientific fields, namely Hana Rizmadewi Agustina, S.Kp., M.N., PhD, (Faculty of Nursing), and Dr. Raden Yohana, dr., Sp.B, SubSp. B. Onk (K) (Faculty of Medicine).

Quoted from the Unpad website, Aulia, who is also the head of the book writing team, explained that this book has several advantages, such as the book is written multidisciplinary by involving aspects of medicine, psychology, nursing, and policy makers to see implementation in clinical services in the future.

Not only that, this book is also written based on the findings of research conducted by a team of researchers and written in easy-to-understand language. “Although 80% of the content is research results, we use language that can be understood by the general public. Our target is patients or people with breast problems, so we try to write in a language that is easy to understand. This book can be used as a reference, but it is also a book that is fun to read,” said Aulia.

Vice Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Fredrick Dermawan Purba, M.Psi., Ph.D., Psychologist, said that the writing of this book was the result of Unpad’s collaboration with several parties, such as Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, and Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, as well as in collaboration with several hospitals in Bandung and cancer-related communities.

“This is all done not only about teaching, but also education and community service,” Fredrick explained.

Furthermore, Fredrick expressed his hope that in the future the cooperation can continue. Not only for educational purposes, but also for research to become a reference for policy makers. “This is in line with Unpad’s spirit that we want to not only be global, but also useful. Hopefully this meeting will be useful for all of us,” said Fredrick.

On this occasion, one of the authors of the book, Prof. Jan Passchier, Ph.D., also hoped that the launch of this book can provide benefits for many parties, one of which can increase knowledge about cancer in the community.

“The hope of writing this book is that knowledge about aspects of cancer will increase, patients will go to the doctor faster, distress of patients and families can be reduced, and more support from partners,” explained Prof. Jan.*