For many patients with breast cancer, challenges extend far beyond medical treatment. Recognizing these challenges, the Fred & Pamela Buffet Center navigation navigation navigation program is actively working to eliminate obstacles from patient cancer patients.
Since its creation in June 2023, the program, led by Juan Santamaria, MD, co-founder and director, has helped more than 80 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with navigation services, offering them support.
Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, PHD, Associate Director of the Cancer Center awareness and community commitment office, said: “This is such an important initiative because one of the objectives of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is to reduce the Overall cancer burden and eliminate disparities cancer. »»
This initiative would not have been possible without the joint efforts and contributions from Robin Lally, PHD, co-founder of the program, as well as his doctoral student, Kia Scott-Selle, and his doctorate assistant, Becky Johnson-Beller, PhD, who do essential research to support the program.
“Their dedication and expertise played a decisive role in collecting data on feasibility, the relevance of navigation and adoption, ensuring that the program demonstrates its impact and reach by supporting those who need it most “Said Dr. Watanabe-Galloway.
The cornerstone of the Nebraska breast health navigation program is its peer navigators, community volunteers who survive breast cancer. Navigators often share many cultural, social, racial or ethnic similarities with the patients they support.
Their work reflects the program mission: ensuring that no patient cancer patient remains without support. They provide essential assistance to patients, in particular by accompanying them to visits to the doctor, by connecting them to resources for transport and childcare, to meet financial challenges and to secure essential elements such as grocery store and ‘shelter.
One of the program browsers, Phyllis Mitchell-Butler, illustrates his mission. Survivor of breast cancer over 15 years old, Mitchell-Butler said: “I know the fear and uncertainty that a diagnosis brings. Thanks to the Nebraska breast health navigation program, I offer hope and advice to others confronted with similar battles. »»
Dr. Santamaria said, “We believe that this program is essential to help us eliminate the obstacles of minority women in our community. Using peers within the community, we hope to break down these barriers and improve results. The NEBRASKA breast health navigation program is a rescue buoy for patients with breast cancer, providing support during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Its impact is deep, but there is always more work to do. »»
To find out more about the Nebraska breast health navigation program or to receive services, visit The program website Or send an email to the Navigator administrator coordinators, Phyllis Mitchell-Butler And Julia Weathers.
To contribute to the program, visit Donation page of the University of Nebraska Foundation.