Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk of getting breast cancer due to a genetic mutation? Do you remember the day you heard those words and got the news? How many healthcare providers did you have on your team? In Episode 4 we discuss the importance of coordinated care in breast cancer.
My guest is an educator, microsurgeon and Director for MedStar Plastic and Reconstruction surgery and Academic Chair for the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. David H. Song. He chairs the BC3 Conference in Washington, D. C. The purpose of the conference as stated from the website:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Diagnosis and treatments are part of the practice of a wide number of medical specialists and there are national initiatives calling for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of breast cancer patients. The multiple components and aspects of the treatment of breast cancer require a high level of coordinated care among different specialties. This coordination becomes even more challenging because of the rapid evolution of new treatment modalities and is especially important due to of the possibility of improved outcomes both in terms of curing the disease, as well as maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of the patient.
BC3 Conference
Whether patients travel across the country or stay local in their region, healthcare teams may not be located at the same facility. This is when coordinated care in breast cancer becomes important to patient outcomes. You breast cancer care team may include the following health specialists:
- Radiologist: Imaging that can include mammograms and ultrasounds
- Breast Surgeon:
- Oncologist
- Plastic Surgeon
- Physical Therapist
How do you handle the coordinating this care among different providers?
Suggestions and Tools for Coordinated Care in Breast Cancer
Dr. Song points out it is often in the hands of patients to drive this coordination of care; However, it should also be curated carefully by the medical team when a patient in already emotionally overwhelmed with the diagnosis. When on treatment can affect all the touch points of the providers involved, the patient needs comfort in knowing the team is working together on the patient’s behalf. One example might be if a radiation might affect breast reconstruction. It is important for the plastic surgeon and radiologist to coordinate their treatment of the patient.
Once a patient drives this coordinated care and sees the health care team putting it into action, trust begins to build giving the patient a plan and feeling part of the team.
Access and Disparities in Care
Patients may live in a rural setting or because of socio-economic status experience disparities in their breast cancer care. Dr. Song graciously points to the DiepCJourney Facebook group I curate to find information for patients like this. It can provide them with the information to ask the right questions. Choose your online support groups based on the focus and mission of the group. If it provides connections to reputable healthcare providers and evidence-based information, it can give you the time you need to do your research and ask the right question. The questions you bring to your consult will prompt healthcare delivery from the providers you are seeing for your care.
Can a Second Opinion be Part of your Care?
Absolutely and Dr. Song points out the benefits.
- It can validate what you have heard from those you have previously consulted with.
- The patient gets different nuances. There is not always one way.
- You are making a lifelong decision and owe it to yourself to find the answers.
- Note: If you tell a doctor you are seeking a second opinion and they act offended, that can be a red flag. Most doctors today are used to patients seeking a second and third opinion.
Pearls from Episode 4: Coordinated Care in Breast Cancer
I ask Dr. Song to share his pearls of wisdom for patients to help them drive coordinated care for their breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and survival. This is what he shared:
- Ask the right questions! Do not be shy, this is about YOU!
- Do your homework and take the time you need to ask the right questions.
- Bring people with you to your consult to help you listen and to advocate for you.
- Revisit the questions you did not understand in the consult and utilize access to your team.
- Remember: You are helping to design the breast cancer plan for yourself.
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