Connecting With Others Can Benefit the Greater Breast Cancer Community

In part two of CURE’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month webinar series on connecting with the community, we partnered with Susan G. Komen Foundation and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to learn how connecting with the breast cancer community can help patients find the support they may need.

In particular, we spoke with Miranda Zinn, Helpline Navigator for the Breast Cancer Helpline at Susan G. Komen Foundation, and Jomary Colon, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, to discuss deep connections within the breast cancer community and how patients can benefit from them.

Summary:

0:05 — Meaningful Connections With Patients With Breast Cancer

• Patients should prioritize their own emotional well-being and set boundaries in their interactions with other survivors. If sharing experiences becomes overwhelming, seeking additional support from a therapist or counselor is recommended.
• Meaningful connections with other patients and survivors often develop organically. Sharing personal stories can inspire others to reach out, fostering genuine and empathetic relationships.
• Building deep connections requires vulnerability and open communication. It's important to find a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences without judgment. Support groups and peer-to-peer connections can provide a safe space for these meaningful interactions.

3:31 — Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting Others

• Patients should be encouraged to prioritize self-care, including rest, relaxation and stress management techniques. This is especially important during treatment and recovery.
• Patients may need to set boundaries and delegate responsibilities to others, such as family members or friends, to reduce stress and focus on their health.
• Patients should be open to accepting help from others. This may involve asking for assistance with household chores, childcare or other tasks.

5:44 — Sharing Stories of Connecting Patients to Support Groups

• Navigators can play a crucial role in assisting patients with their healthcare journey, particularly when they feel overwhelmed or have questions. By providing emotional support, answering questions and connecting patients with appropriate resources, navigators can significantly improve patient experience and outcomes.
• Connecting patients with peer mentors who have similar experiences can provide invaluable support, reassurance and hope. These connections can help patients feel less alone and more confident in their ability to navigate their diagnosis and treatment.

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