Baystate Noble nurse navigator supports, advocates for breast cancer patients

WESTFIELD — Baystate Health nurse navigator Molly Porter knows a breast cancer diagnosis is difficult for patients, and that the treatment process is stressful in its own way. That’s where she comes in, as the person who offers support, education and advocacy for those patients.

“My role is to advocate for the patient and to make sure that they understand everything that’s going on in terms of their treatment. It’s very overwhelming when you’re first diagnosed,” she said.

For example, in cases where patients want breast reconstruction, she would connect them to plastic surgeons, make sure they have the right surgeon, get them comfortable with their care team and ensure they are educated about their treatment, before and after surgery. Advocacy for patients can look like finding a new surgeon if they don’t connect with the one they have, which she has done in the past.