UAB Shares How to Best Support Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment

By Anna Jones | UAB New A breast cancer diagnosis can take both an emotional and physical toll on a patient. After a loved one’s diagnosis, one expert at the University of Alabama Birmingham O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center says it is important for caregivers to know how they can best support patients after a breast cancer diagnosis. “A breast cancer diagnosis is a shock,” said Catherine Parker, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “That shock should not be minimized. One of the most helpful things friends and family can do is let the patient know that it is perfectly OK to take time to process the diagnosis and make the treatment decision that is best for them.” After Diagnosis After a loved one receives a breast cancer diagnosis, Parker says it is important for caregivers to know how they can best support the patient during the difficult time. “When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, the different advice and opinions can sometimes be overwhelming for the patient,” Parker said. “One of the most helpful things caregivers can do is to assure the patient that their treatment is their choice.” Parker says allowing the patient...