Macmillan breast cancer support worker

The breast cancer support worker contributes to the care given by the registered practitioners to breast cancer patients, 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 provides co-ordination of care and support to patients at any stage of their pathway, but predominately look after the patients who have been entered into 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 the patient to relevant support or services, which help them to self-manage their own care, but with the reassurance that they remain under the care of the breast cancer clinical nurse specialists (BCNS) and the support worker for five years from diagnosis. During this time, the BCNS can bring a patient back to clinic, if they have symptoms relating to their breast cancer or breast cancer treatments. The breast cancer support worker can support the patient 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.