It is with great enthusiasm that we present the first interview in the series of Ambassadors of the CO-CAPTAIN Project. On this occasion, we meet Adelina Bentán, administrative assistant at the Primary Care Centre of Cervera and member of the Institut Català de la Salut. Adelina has a solid background in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Health Social Work, which allows her to bring a unique and valuable perspective to her work with cancer patients and people with mental health problems.
Through her role in managing transport and support for patients in financial need, Adelina has developed a deep empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by these patients. Her experience in the PADES palliative care team in Lleida and her work in nursing homes has shown her the importance of a holistic approach that supports both the physical and emotional health of patients and their families.
This interview offers an insight into her commitment and motivation to contribute to the success of CO-CAPTAIN, a project that promotes a holistic care approach for people affected by cancer and mental health problems.
Thank you for being here and for your interest in joining us as an ambassador for our project. To begin with, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your experience in relation to mental health and cancer?
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project. My name is Adelina Bentan Pop, I am currently working in the health sector at the Cervera health centre in an administrative role. Although I am not directly involved in the treatment of patients with mental health problems or cancer, I do interact with them before they speak to the doctor or undergo the necessary tests as I manage the transport arrangements for cancer patients who need to travel to receive the necessary treatments, as well as financial aid for those who have financial difficulties to cover these journeys. This experience has allowed me to develop a greater understanding and empathy towards these patients, which enriches my perspective in the field of mental health and cancer.
My closest and most direct experience with cancer and mental health comes from my internship during my university studies at the PADES team in Lleida, where I worked with palliative care patients. There, I was able to see first-hand the importance of a holistic approach that includes both physical and emotional support for patients and their families.
Furthermore, in my experience as a social worker in a residence, I also came into contact with patients who, in addition to their physical health problems, face challenges in their mental health, especially due to the isolation and fragility they often experience. These experiences made me deeply aware of how mental health plays a very important role in people’s overall well-being, especially in situations of serious illness such as cancer.
What motivated you to get involved as an ambassador in the CO-CAPTAIN project?
What motivated me to join the project was the possibility of making a positive impact in such a critical area as the intersection between mental health and cancer. I have seen firsthand how a lack of emotional support can negatively impact patients‘ health, and I believe in the need for integral approaches that address both aspects. In addition, I have seen a valuable opportunity to become more directly involved in this sector and contribute, even in a small way, to improving the quality of life of patients.
Do you have any personal or professional experience that has raised your awareness of cancer prevention in people with mental health problems?
My personal experience relates to the recent diagnosis of liver cancer in a family member. Although at first glance it may not appear to be a mental health issue, I have observed first-hand how a diagnosis of this magnitude can trigger serious emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression or even feelings of hopelessness, in both the patient and those around them. These conditions can negatively impact the patient’s willingness to follow treatments consistently.
This is why emotional and psychological support from a professional is as crucial as medical treatment. A good mental state not only improves the patient’s quality of life, but also strengthens their ability to cope with the disease with greater resilience.
Moreover, in my professional experience, I have seen how stigmatization towards people with mental health problems can negatively influence the care they receive. I recall a case where a patient, with a history of mental health problems, repeatedly came to the primary care center complaining of pain. However, because she was perceived as insistent and ‘tiresome’, she was not given adequate care until, after tests, it was discovered that she had cancer. This example highlights how mental health conditions can sometimes lead to other physical concerns being minimized or ignored, not because of medical negligence, but because of a lack of awareness and possible stigmatization.
These experiences, coupled with my internship in the PADES team, have taught me that mental health should not be put on the back burner when dealing with cancer patients. Preventing and treating cancer in people with mental health problems requires a coordinated approach that addresses both the body and the mind, ensuring that they receive the support they need to cope with the disease in the best possible way.
How do you see the importance of cancer prevention in people with mental health problems?
People with mental health problems often face additional barriers that make it difficult both to access medical services and to follow prevention guidelines. Often, conditions such as depression, anxiety or more serious disorders can make patients less likely to attend regular medical visits or to pay attention to early warning signs.
In many cases, when a person has already been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, the focus tends to be primarily on managing those symptoms, leaving other aspects of their physical health, such as cancer prevention, on the back burner. This is compounded by the stigmatisation they face, which can lead to mistrust of the health system, further alienating them from prevention campaigns and regular medical visits. As a result, cancer problems may go undetected or be detected at later stages.
I therefore believe that cancer prevention in this group should be approached with a personalised and proactive approach, integrating both physical and mental health in all prevention programmes. It is essential to offer comprehensive support, including appropriate mental health monitoring, accompanied by educational campaigns that reach these patients in an accessible and understandable way. The role of mental and social health professionals is crucial in facilitating these people to stay engaged in self-care and prevention, helping them to overcome the emotional and logistical barriers they face.
What impact do you think this project can have on the lives of these people?
I believe that the CO-CAPTAIN project can have a transformative impact. On the one hand, it can raise awareness among patients with mental health problems about the importance of being aware of any changes in their physical condition and requesting the necessary medical tests when they consider it appropriate. On the other hand, it can raise awareness among health professionals, encouraging a less judgemental and more patient-centred approach.
Moreover, prevention plays a key role in improving quality of life, and should be a commitment shared by both healthcare professionals and patients. It is essential to provide patients with tools that enable them to take care of their physical and mental health in a balanced way, while health professionals must be equally empowered to proactively identify and address risks. Raising awareness of the importance of prevention and facilitating access to essential resources will allow both parties to work together to better manage patient wellbeing and reduce long-term risks.
What do you think you can contribute as an ambassador to help spread the project’s message?
The fact that I work in the health sector in a health center and have direct contact with professionals who intervene directly with the group allows me to contribute to the dissemination of the project’s message. From this position, I can raise awareness among other health professionals about the importance of reducing the stigmas associated with mental health, promoting a more comprehensive and inclusive care. By using real examples and experiences, I can help to give visibility to this reality and promote a better understanding of patients‘ needs.
How do you imagine your role within this network of ambassadors?
As I mentioned in the previous question, my role within the ambassador network would be focused on being a bridge between health professionals and the community, helping to integrate the principles of the project into everyday life. In this sense, I believe I can bring a close and practical perspective to spread the message of CO-CAPTAIN.
Do you have any ideas on how we can take this message beyond our consortium and reach more people?
One way to take the CO-CAPTAIN message beyond the consortium would be to take advantage of the community working groups that exist in primary health care centers. These teams, composed of health and non-health professionals, are dedicated to organizing and coordinating activities on various health issues, providing an ideal platform for integrating the principles of the project. By acting as a bridge between these groups and CO-CAPTAIN, we could incorporate the project’s approaches into existing activities, raising awareness among both patients and professionals about the importance of cancer prevention in people with mental health problems. This strategy would not only broaden the impact of the project, but also tailor the message to the local needs of each community.
How could you use your own networks or platforms to help amplify the project’s message?
I could contribute to amplify the message of the project by actively sharing the publications from the official CO-CAPTAIN account on my own social networks.
What are your expectations as ambassador?
My expectations as an ambassador are, first of all, to gain a better understanding of the relationship between mental health and cancer prevention and how the two can be addressed in a joint and coordinated way. I also hope to develop my skills in communicating key messages to different audiences, as well as networking with other professionals and organizations that share this approach. Finally, I hope that this experience will allow me to be part of a positive change that will influence both the health community and the people affected.
What kind of activities would you like to do or would you feel more comfortable participating in (talks, social networking, events)?
To start with, I would like to collaborate in the creation of social media content, designing informative publications that help spread the message in an accessible way. I would also love to participate in community events and awareness-raising days, as these activities would give me the opportunity to meet people interested in the issue and also learn about their perspectives and points of view. Later on, when I gain more knowledge about how the project works and about the topic in general, I would feel more prepared to collaborate in talks or presentations.
How would you like to see this project evolve and what impact do you expect it to have in the long term?
I would like to see this project evolve into a benchmark in cancer prevention for people with mental health problems, demonstrating that a holistic approach that considers both mental and physical health is essential for people with mental health problems, demonstrating that a holistic approach that considers both mental and physical health is essential. In the long term, I hope that CO-CAPTAIN will influence public health policies and that several health centers will adopt this model, facilitating access to prevention programmes. In addition, I would like to see the rate of cancer prevention increase as a result of the implementation of this project, reflecting its positive impact on the community.
If you could give a message to people who are not yet aware of the importance of cancer prevention in people with mental health problems, what would you tell them?
I would argue that mental and physical health are not separate elements, but essential parts of our overall well-being. Ignoring one while attending to the other can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to illnesses such as cancer. People with mental health problems often face a double burden: dealing with their emotional condition on the one hand, and encountering barriers to accessing diagnosis and preventive care on the other.
It is not just a matter of being informed, but of empathizing and understanding that everyone, regardless of their mental health situation, deserves the same opportunity for prevention and treatment. Overcoming the barriers of stigma and lack of access will not only save lives, but also improve the quality of life for those facing these challenges. Each of us can be part of this change by supporting and promoting more equitable and compassionate care.
Adelina Bentán
- Current speciality: Administrative assistant in a health centre.
- Organisation: Institut Català de la Salut (Catalan Health Institute)
- Position: Administrative assistant at the Cervera Primary Care Centre.
- Contact: adelinabentanpop@gmail.com
