The month of October reminds us that education, early detection, and community-based support are crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Hence, when it comes to breast cancer awareness, the contributions of allied healthcare professionals are as significant as those of an oncologist or doctor. At WellTech Partners, we believe it is important to highlight the contributions of these professionals during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Who are the Allied Healthcare Professionals?
Allied healthcare workers include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians, social workers, and physical therapists. They all come together to complement the physician and specialist for unified care and treatment of breast cancer, including emotional and psychological consequences of this disease on the patients as follows:
Awareness through Education
The major role of the allied health professional is to educate the community on facts relating to breast cancer through the following means:
Workshops and Seminars: during the breast cancer awareness month, allied health providers offer educational workshops to discuss risk factors, the need for routine screenings, and how to perform self-examinations.
Informational Materials: Flyers, brochures, and digital content also come in handy during breast cancer awareness month to educate individuals on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of breast cancer.
Social media: Social media sites can help spread this campaign much more widely through posted informative messages, survivor stories, and announcements.
Early Detection and Screening
Early detection can increase a patient’s survival of breast cancer, and here is how allied healthcare professionals can help:
Screening Programs: Allied healthcare workers provide access to mammograms and clinical breast examinations, ensuring appropriate screenings for underserved populations.
Navigating Insurance and Resources: Most patients don’t know how to determine insurance coverage for screenings. An allied healthcare professional can help them navigate these processes to ensure they receive care.
Supporting Patients and Families
The journey of breast cancer is challenging not only for the patients but also for their families. Allied health professionals provide extended support for the patients and their families in the following ways:
Emotional Strength: Social workers and counselors extend emotional strength to both patients and their families due to the psychological crisis brought about by the diagnosis of breast cancer through counseling and support groups.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Advice: Expert dieticians can design personalized nutrition plans to help patients sustain energy during treatment and recovery.
Here is a read on how to stay healthy and fit in allied healthcare.
Physical Rehabilitation: lastly, physical therapists help the patients regain their mobility and strength after surgery and treatment.
In this year’s breast cancer awareness month, let us also recognize the roles of allied healthcare workers in raising awareness. WellTech Partners applauds their commitment and encourages everyone to partner towards greater breast cancer awareness and support those on this journey.