Those initial words, “You have breast cancer,” can be terrifying and evoke a multitude of emotions. However, for many women there is another significant concern.
I talk to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients every day as breast health navigator at Martin Memorial Health Systems’ Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center. For many, after the initial shock one of their first concerns is the cost of health care and how they will pay their medical bills. Health care can be very expensive, even for those who have health insurance. Being able to address these concerns and find access to the best possible resources is a large part of the navigation process.
There are also many other costs associated with cancer care that can affect patients. That includes things such as transportation to treatment, loss of income and potential loss of employment, as well as financial hardship on the family to meet co-pays, deductibles, costs for prescription medication, and child care. Money issues have a tremendous impact on how well a cancer patient copes with the cancer care and treatment itself.
There are many resources and services available to women with breast cancer, but that information is not always easy to find. There is a tremendous amount of information on the Internet, but people new to the process may not know where to look.
That is why our role is so important to breast cancer patients who come to our center. The breast health navigator team, which also consists of a licensed clinical social worker, assesses each woman’s needs and works diligently to provide the best possible information, support and access to financial assistance or resources.
In an effort to combine the full spectrum of assets available for breast cancer patients in our community, we have partnered with the Breast Health Coalition of Martin and St. Lucie Counties, Florida, to prepare a breast health resource directory online. Patients, their caretakers or health care personnel can visit www.BreastHealthCoalition.com to find the services and support they need.
It is important that women newly diagnosed with breast cancer know they are not alone as they begin this journey. As the breast health navigator and an oncology nurse, I do more than provide information and education on breast cancer. I walk that journey with each and every patient, holding their hands along the way if needed. I can provide the tools and resources they need to overcome their fears and concerns, helping to give them the necessary strength to fight the disease.
