Macmillan breast cancer support worker

The breast cancer support worker contributes to the care that our healthcare team provides to patients with breast cancer, to maintain the high level of care that we strive for within our department. They work with other professionals, providing support with the holistic needs of the patient, allowing the registered practitioners to focus on the patient’s clinical needs.

The breast cancer support worker co-ordinates care and support for patients at any stage of their pathway, but mainly looks after patients who are in patient initiated follow up (PIFU). This happens when the consultant no longer needs to see the patient in scheduled appointments, but needs the patient to have a route back into clinic if needed.

The breast cancer support worker can signpost you to relevant support or services, helping you to self-manage your own care, but with the reassurance that you will stay under the care of the breast cancer clinical nurse specialists (BCNS) and the support worker for five years from your diagnosis. During this time, the BCNS can bring you back to clinic, if you have symptoms relating to your breast cancer or breast cancer treatments. The breast cancer support worker can support you if requested, during this stressful time.

The breast cancer support worker's details are given to patients who enter PIFU, but they can also be contacted through the BCNS team on 023 8120 3753.