Despite research being conducted and confirmed on the significance of breast density, most women don’t know that having dense breasts increases their risk for breast cancer and reduces a mammogram’s ability to detect cancer, according to a University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine study.
For awhile now, we’ve been hearing this phrase “multidisciplinary team approach.” It is included on documents that patients receive when they come to a cancer center for care. It is commonly heard on the radio as a marketing ploy to encourage people to come to their cancer center. But what does it really mean, and are patients benefiting from it?
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are informed of the various “expected” side effects they will likely experience as they travel through their cancer treatment experience. Whether it is fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, weight gain, cognitive functioning problems, sexual dysfunction, hair loss, etc , patients are expected to accept these side effects as part of the hand they have been dealt.
Not only are nurse navigators educating and supporting their patients about their upcoming cancer treatment; they are also becoming involved in clinical trial screening and education. How information is presented regarding clinical trials can directly influence whether a patient asked for more information and eventually signs on or passes on the opportunity to participate.
The need to train PCPs, gynecologists, primary care NPs, internal medicine providers and others who are in the community setting and caring for patients for their chronic illnesses or to promote wellness is paramount to a cancer survivorship program functioning well.
As we continue to see more cancer patients diagnosed, treated and thankfully surviving their cancers, we also are experiencing a decrease in the number of individuals choosing oncology as their medical specialty.
Protective buffering refers to hiding cancer-related thoughts and concerns from one’s partner. As a navigator, it is important for you to assess your patient and spouse/caregiver to determine if this is happening among them.
Though our economy continues to struggle, philanthropy has not been as impacted as was first feared. And despite the constraints of HIPAA requiring tight security and privacy of patient information, navigators still have a golden opportunity to use storytelling, without patient identifiers, to inspire other patients to utilize their philanthropic abilities and make a difference in the lives of patients you and others navigate.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer.
There is a powerful movement afoot, and in the long run it will be for the better. However, while it gets implemented, it is going to feel incredibly strange. The movement is rethinking who needs screening and subsequent treatment for specific types of cancers.
