Patient Navigators and CHW
Community health worker, patient navigators, peer support, promotoras. Whatever title you have, the work you do in the community is critical for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Young women rely on you to find the resources designed to meet their needs. These resources were selected by your peers, navigators who participated in the YAAS! training program for Survivorship Navigators.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Training opportunities in cancer survivorship for community health workers and patient navigators
- Understanding Clinical Trials
- Supporting End of Life Care and Decisions
- Navigating Fertility Preservation and Family Building
- Finding Financial Help
- Aging and Elderly Assistance
- Addressing Housing Issues
- Navigating Insurance, Employment and Legal Resources
- Mental Health Support
- Finding Peer Support
- Managing Pain and Other Discomfort
- Supporting Children with Parents Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
- Securing Transportation
- Finding Free or Low-Cost Wigs, Scarves, Prostheses
Understanding Clinical Trials
You can support patients exploring all of the treatment options available. Learn about how clinical trials work and how to help them search for trials that might be a good fit for them.
Supporting End of Life Care and Decisions
Patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer and their families may not be aware of the resources available at this difficult moment in their lives. Navigators can be an important source of information and support. Prepare for those circumstances with these resources.
Finding Financial Help
Medical bills can be expensive for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Financial Assistance opportunities can help offset the cost.
Aging and Elderly Assistance
"Young women are often caregivers for older family members. It can be difficult to balance these responsibilities and breast cancer treatment. These resources provide support and recommendations caring for elderly family members for young women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families."
Addressing Housing Issues
Keeping up with rent or mortgage payments can be difficult when young women are dealing with the cost of cancer care. Find resources that can help young women maintain safe, stable housing after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Mental Health Support
A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment may trigger many different emotions -- from anxiety and worry to depression and fear. It's important to encourage young women to take care of their mental health, and remove the stigma of getting help from a professional counselor. Use the resources below to connect a young woman with a mental health specialist.
Finding Peer Support
Connecting with a peer who understands what a young woman is going through can be one of the most important steps she takes. Share these resources for for peer support.
Managing Pain and Other Discomfort
Young women often experience pain, fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms due to the cancer or the treatment. Let young women know that they do not have to endure this discomfort! Encourage them to talk to their healthcare team and ask for a referral to palliative care. These are specialists who focus on managing symptoms and discomfort.
Supporting Children with Parents Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Young women are not the only ones who need support during a breast cancer diagnosis. Find resources to support children of young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Securing Transportation
Transportation to and from clinic appointments can be a barrier. Help young women connect with reliable transportation resources.
Finding Free or Low-Cost Wigs, Scarves, Prostheses
Physical changes, like hair loss and surgery, can affect a young woman's confidence and self-esteem. Share resources for wigs, prosthesis, make-up tips and other information to remind her that she is still beautiful.
