Washington Regional Breast Health Navigators serve as patient advocates

After a breast cancer diagnosis, most patients could benefit from having someone to lend emotional support and to guide them through the stages of treatment. That’s how the breast health navigator program available at Washington Regional Cancer Support Home can help.

“Our breast health navigators follow women throughout every aspect of treatment, providing them with culturally competent support, information and literature,” said Ryan Worley, Cancer Support Home manager. “They may accompany patients to doctor’s appointments, surgery and treatment. They can link patients to financial and quality-of-life support resources and be a comfort and friend to patients and their families.”

The program recently expanded to also include a bilingual navigator. Adela Martinez, licensed social worker, has joined Misty Johnson, registered nurse, in providing individualized assistance to patients and families by guiding them through all phases of the cancer experience.

Overall, Worley says, the navigator role is designed to: Specialize in educational information about benign and malignant breast diseases, treatments and side effects of treatment. Provide facts about breast cancer, not opinions and no treatment advice, and supports the decisions of the physician and patient. Provide a link to language translation when necessary. Provide emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families. Conduct continual assessment of the educational, physical, psychological and social needs of the patient and family members. Make appropriate referrals for additional assessment when needed. Serve as a support group facilitator for a variety of breast cancer support groups. Coordinate Washington Regional’s weekly multi-disciplinary breast conference. Provide financial and support services resources to patients and their families. Serve as an advocate for breast cancer patients. Become a knowledgeable friend to each patient.

More information about the breast health navigator program is available by contacting (479) 5218024. The breast health navigator positions at the Cancer Support Home are funded by the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Walmart Foundation.

Established in 1995, the Cancer Support Home serves the Northwest Arkansas community with locations in Bentonville and Fayetteville. Services include free overnight lodging, support groups, various cancer screenings, resource library, wig and mastectomy supplies. The Cancer Support Home is supported in part by grants from the Cancer Challenge, Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Walmart, SAM’S Club Foundation, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary and Bank of America Foundation, as well as by corporate and individual contributions.