Interview with  with Janet Kramer-Mai, a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator
written by Elizabeth Hall, MS, RDN, LDN, Food City Registered Dietitian

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is every October, so we sat down with Janet Kramer-Mai, a Nurse Navigator at the Erlanger Cancer Institute, part of Erlanger Health System, in Chattanooga, TN. A Nurse Navigator plays a vital role in the care of patients during the initial phases of diagnostic breast screening and possible cancer diagnosis. The primary goal being to provide information and education, and hopefully reduce a lot of the stress involved.


Q: Although each patient is different, what does a Nurse Navigator try to accomplish on a patient’s first visit?
A: The journey with the Breast Cancer Navigator starts immediately. A Breast Cancer Navigator is introduced to the patient at the time of their abnormal mammogram and explains to the patient what they can expect when they visit a surgeon for further diagnostic testing, including a biopsy.  The Navigator will also help alleviate any concerns and answer questions about daily activities, including any restrictions such as driving, and the need to inform employers about appropriate time off.  In addition, a Navigator helps patients understand their results and what treatment plans may follow? We hope that by playing an active role in their diagnosis and treatment we can help better educate patients and family members of various resources available. 


Q: How involved does the family get when a loved one is diagnosed with Breast cancer?
A: As a Breast Cancer Navigator, the first thing I tell a patient is to realize this will no doubt be a very stressful time in your life. Hearing you have cancer is like being dropped off in a foreign country where you don’t know your surroundings and don’t speak the language. How do you navigate that trip that’s totally unfamiliar? I tell patients that the more sets of ears the better. Someone else in your family will no doubt understand things you may not grasp. Your family member or friend could be the one gathering information and helping you to understand and make treatment decisions.


Q: How does a Breast Cancer Navigator handle tough questions about death and dying?
A: Part of the mission of a Breast Cancer Navigator is going out into the communities and teaching what proper breast health looks like. I always like to talk about annual mammograms and seeing your doctor regularly. The whole goal of breast health and trying to help women understand that early detection equates to better prognosis. The earlier we find breast cancer the more likely we are to be able to cure a woman of her cancer and hopefully avoid those tough questions. When it comes to breast cancer, health care professionals these days are doing a far better job than years ago when curing this type of cancer. As a matter of fact, cure rates these days for early stage breast cancer are greater than 90% through early intervention.
 

Q: How does a Breast Cancer Navigator put together a team of support?
A: There are a lot of different ways to treat breast cancer. A multi-disciplinary team approach helps to educate patients on all of their treatment options.  The patient must feel comfortable with her team. A Navigator can help a patient to put together that group of medical professionals that she can lean on throughout their entire treatment and recovery. This team includes, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and support services.