Five Ways we help Breast Cancer Patients Feel Cared For

When women walk through our doors for the first time we know they are feeling really scared.

Fear, anger, confusion, shock – that’s just for starters.

I have been a breast oncology surgeon for many years now, and I try to put myself in the patient’s shoes – I know how I would want my family to be treated.

(It’s worth remembering that 1 in 100 people coming through our doors is actually a male patient, and it’s a different sort of trauma for them, but just as real.)

There are many ways we try to help patients feel cared for, here are just five:

• Respectful dialogue, treating people like the grown-ups they are;
• We don’t talk medical jargon;
• Aim to give people real choices;
• It’s a community – survivors are everywhere and their stories are inspiring;
• Give honest answers, even if the questions are hard to answer.

I remember a friend telling me that when she went into her clinic for cancer treatment she couldn’t believe how rudely she was treated by the front desk staff. She felt like saying, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I am only here for life-threatening surgery, I hope I’m not inconveniencing you”.

This is a time when a bit of human warmth and compassion goes a long way – we talk about this a lot in my practice.

We take the time to make each patient feel cared for. We want them to be full of hope as they face their upcoming procedures.

My caring team, Andy and Julie, will look after you, and take the time to listen. We very much value your feedback. Let us know how we can better help you to full recovery.

Go to our Contact Us page to make an enquiry and send your comments or call us, we are here to help you.