What is the function of a breast health navigator?

The function of a breast health navigator is primarily to coordinate care and support for patients dealing with breast health issues, including breast cancer. This role is crucial in ensuring that patients have access to the necessary resources, information, and emotional support throughout their diagnostic and treatment processes.

Breast health navigators help patients understand their diagnoses, facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers, schedule appointments, and provide educational materials about breast health. They serve as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system, guiding individuals through the complexities of their care journeys and helping to address any barriers they may encounter.

In contrast, performing surgical procedures is within the scope of healthcare providers such as surgeons, not navigators. Legal representation is typically the realm of legal professionals, and diagnosing breast cancer falls under the responsibilities of medical practitioners, such as radiologists or oncologists, who have the training and expertise necessary to interpret diagnostic tests and make clinical judgments. Therefore, coordinating care and support uniquely defines the role of a breast health navigator.