Facing a breast cancer diagnosis or even the suspicion of it can be an overwhelming experience. The Ahs Comprehensive Breast Care Program (CBCP) is designed to provide individuals with timely, consistent, and accessible care throughout this challenging journey. This program acts as a crucial support system for patients navigating the complexities of breast health concerns, from initial suspicion to diagnosis and the start of treatment.
The primary aim of the CBCP is to expedite access to necessary services, minimizing delays in care and ensuring patients receive quality support as quickly as possible. Through telephone-based services, the program offers a streamlined approach to care coordination, patient education, and expert consultation.
Key Services Offered by the AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program
The AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program provides a comprehensive suite of services, all delivered via telephone, to support patients every step of the way:
- Dedicated Nurse Navigators: At the heart of the program are specialized nurse navigators. These registered nurses possess in-depth expertise in breast health and cancer care. They act as central points of contact, guiding patients through the program and ensuring seamless coordination of all aspects of their care.
- Diagnostic Test Coordination: For patients presenting with palpable masses or other clinical findings requiring further investigation, the program facilitates the timely coordination of diagnostic tests. This includes arranging ultrasounds, biopsies, and other necessary appointments to determine the presence and nature of any breast concerns.
- Personalized Patient Education: Understanding treatment options and making informed decisions is paramount. The CBCP provides patients with comprehensive education and resources to assist them in navigating the complexities of breast cancer treatment. This empowers patients to actively participate in their care planning.
- Timely Access to Services: Navigating the healthcare system can be daunting, especially when time is of the essence. The program provides vital information regarding healthcare providers and facilities within the Alberta Health Services network that can offer services promptly. This ensures patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays.
- Expert Medical Consultation: Complex cases may require specialized expertise. The CBCP facilitates access to medical breast experts as needed, ensuring patients benefit from advanced knowledge and tailored treatment strategies.
- Psychosocial Support: Recognizing the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, the program offers access to clinical social workers. These professionals provide crucial emotional and practical support to patients and their families throughout their journey.
The AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program emphasizes a collaborative approach to patient care. Throughout the process, the patient’s family physician remains actively involved, receiving regular updates on diagnosis, treatment plans, progress, and follow-up care. This ensures continuity of care and a strong partnership between the program and the patient’s primary healthcare provider. Patients remain enrolled in the program until they commence treatment at a designated cancer center. Discharge from the program occurs if cancer is ruled out or if further program monitoring is deemed unnecessary.
It is important to note that the AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program is not a substitute for routine breast cancer screening, such as mammography, and does not address general breast health concerns without abnormal imaging findings.
Eligibility for the AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program
To be eligible for the AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program, patients must meet specific criteria:
- Presence of Abnormal Breast Changes: Patients must exhibit abnormal breast changes, such as a palpable lump detected during a clinical breast exam, suspicious mammogram results, or other concerning clinical findings.
- Geographic Location: Patients must reside within the geographic boundaries of the Alberta Health Services – Edmonton Zone, or within its designated out-of-region referral/catchment area, encompassing northern Alberta and the North Zone Alberta. Service delivery is sensitive to postal codes, and referrals from outside the Edmonton Zone are supported to ensure care within the patient’s home region whenever possible.
Accessing the AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program
Healthcare providers seeking to refer patients to the AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for detailed service referral information. This directory provides up-to-date guidance on the referral process and ensures seamless access to the program for eligible patients.
The AHS Comprehensive Breast Care Program is committed to providing accessible, timely, and expert care to individuals facing breast health challenges within the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone and surrounding regions. By offering comprehensive support and streamlined services, the program aims to improve patient experiences and outcomes in breast cancer care.
