According to “Oncology Issues” Magazine, a national study recently showed that navigated patients are 29% more likely to follow up on a questionable mammogram with breast biopsy and those who were navigated through their care had biopsy 33% faster. Navigated patients also have a higher five year survival rate related to early detection and more comprehensive care.

The Women’s Center at Saint Vincent has received a generous grant from the Pittsburg Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This grant will support navigation through comprehensive post operative care for the breast cancer patients including emotional, psychological and restorative therapies with an emphasis on underinsured and noninsured women.

The Women’s Center nursing staff understands the obstacles to care. Breast health navigation can assist in recognizing and finding solutions to obstacles such as insufficient and/or no insurance, overwhelming paperwork, transportation issues, language and cultural barriers, the need for child or elder care, inadequate health literacy and fear of the side effects of cancer therapy.

To learn more about Breast Health Navigation, call (814) 452-7728 for the Saint Vincent Women’s Center