More breast cancer advocates sought

Ten to 15 women will be trained as advocates to help those who face breast cancer thanks to a $65,000 grant UNMC received from the Nebraska Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Community Breast Health Navigator and Cancer Support Program supports women under evaluation for, or in treatment for, breast cancer.

The Community Breast Health Navigator and Cancer Support Program provides breast cancer patients with a calm and supportive partner as they go through their care.

The program is the only one of its kind in the nation, said Edibaldo Silva, M.D., Ph.D., UNMC surgical oncologist and director of the navigator program. "We've had an overwhelming response from women in the community who stepped forward to be volunteer advocates," Dr. Silva said. "Now we want to train more.

The program was set up to address disparities in communities such as the African-American and Hispanic community. It soon became clear that the issue of variation from best practice patterns is prevalent in all women."

Second year of support

Last year, Komen funded a first grant of $56,518, which trained 11 women. Women trained as volunteer navigators can accompany women to appointments at any hospital or clinic in Douglas County before proceeding with diagnostic or treatment recommendations.

A back-up for patients

Navigators serve as a second set of ears for the patient and advise them on the best approaches they have learned are needed to obtain breast care that matches best practice guidelines set forth nationally. Navigators complete a rigorous training course that focuses on breast cancer care guidelines supported by the latest medical research and recommended by national experts, as well as effective communication with patients and health providers.

Visit www.nebraskabreasthealthnavigator.org or call 402-559-8883 or e-mail info@nebraskabreasthealthnavigator.org for more information about the program.