香蕉视频

An Innovative Patient Resource

Finding out that you have breast cancer can take your breath away. But understanding what breast cancer is, and knowing what to expect, may give patients a greater sense of control. Its commitment to offer clear information and emotional support prompted the 香蕉视频 Health Centre (MUHC) to develop an innovative patient resource to help patients and their families cope with breast cancer.

The MUHC Breast Cancer Navigation Kit was born out of a need for a more convenient, consolidated and comprehensive resource for patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer. 鈥淎fter being diagnosed, I was handed a lot of information,鈥� explains Melanie Maguire, a patient representative on the project committee. 鈥淚t felt like it was my responsibility to review this information - to organize it, digest it and 鈥榝igure it all out鈥� while going to endless tests and medical appointments. This created additional pressure and stress at a time when I needed to reduce anxiety as much as possible.鈥�

Initiated by a breast cancer patient, the project was taken up by a committee of individuals lead by Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology and Director of the Cedars Breast Centre of the MUHC. Committee members included representatives from nursing, medicine, social services, patient groups and The Centre for Literacy of Quebec. 鈥淏y encouraging collaboration from a broad spectrum of committee members, we were better positioned to meet all of our patients鈥� needs,鈥� explains Andr茅anne Saucier, Associate Director of Nursing for Cancer Care. 鈥淭his was a true team effort.鈥�

The MUHC Navigation Kit has four sections, each designed to deal with a different part of the patient鈥檚 journey. The first section, About Breast Cancer, explains what breast cancer is, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. Section two, Body-Mind-Spirit, is about how to cope with the stresses of cancer and the importance of maintaining one鈥檚 physical and mental wellbeing. The third section, After Treatment Ends, discusses the medical follow-ups the patient will need, and how to manage a return to regular activities. Section four, Practical Information, provides useful information about how to navigate the hospital (and its parking lots) and how to get the best out of the many support services offered to patients and their family by the MUHC.

Patients are encouraged to bring the Navigation Kit to each appointment and to share sections with their family and friends. The Navigation Kit also includes a glossary with words that patients will often hear during their treatment and an alphabetical index that can help patients find specific topics such as 鈥淐hemotherapy.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 these small details that truly make this kit unique 鈥� and ultimately, make a difference in a patient鈥檚 experience,鈥� explains Dr. Meterissian. 鈥淭he MUHC Breast Cancer Navigation Kit will help patients navigate the complex path from diagnosis to treatment to follow up, while reducing the 鈥渋nformation overload鈥� so common among patients newly diagnosed with cancer.鈥� A similar kit is already in development for patients with prostate cancer.

The development, implementation and sustainment of this project were in large part due to unrestricted grants from Hoffmann-La Roche, La Banque Nationale Groupe Financier, and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. The project鈥檚 success is also thanks to the volunteers and committee involved in organizing the annual Jump for Hope fundraising event 鈥� with proceeds going directly to the development and sustainment of the initiative.

The Navigation Kit will be revealed for the first time this Tuesday, October 21st at the Cedars CanSupport* 鈥淣ews You Can Use about Breast Cancer鈥� event. The event is open to the general public and is designed to provide important information for breast cancer patients, their families and friends, and health care professionals.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
1650 Cedar Avenue, Livingston Hall, room L6 500, 6th floor
Free admission and free parking at the hospital

*Cedars CanSupport is a resource and support program for cancer patients and their families at the MUHC.

The 香蕉视频 Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.