The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 210,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Information and support during treatment of the disease is an important part of successfully fighting breast cancer.
Oswego Health, the local not-for-profit healthcare system that includes Oswego Hospital, today unveiled a new program to assist women who are diagnosed with breast cancer find treatment, information and support. The program, The Compass, was the idea of Oswego Hospital Registered Nurse (RN) Sue Spencer. Sue was the wife of Oswego Hospital Administrator and CEO Corte Spencer.
Corte Spencer said, “Sue and I met in nursing school in 1960. Except for a few months family leave when our daughters were born, Sue worked in nursing her whole life.”
The Compass Coordinator and Clinical Manager of Maternity Lori Greeney said, “Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and found it challenging to find the best information when making decisions involving her care. It’s an emotional time and there are many important decisions to be made. Sue thought if it was difficult for her after having a background in nursing, it must be even more of a challenge for those without that experience.”
Sue Spencer searched out the best information about the disease that she fought, however, succumbed to her aggressive form of breast cancer in 2002. Her personal quest for knowledge and direction now continues with The Compass program.
“We have written new medical pathways for hospital providers, brought together informational materials and gained the support of medical staff in the system,” Greeney said. “Now when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she can call 349-5627 and we can assist her in finding care services, options for possible financial and personal support.”
Oswego Hospital Surgeon Dr. Allison Duggan said, “Breast cancer survival rates are high today due to early detection and improved treatment. That doesn’t take away the fear women experience when faced with having the disease. The Compass program will help alleviate some of that fear and help women find the right information for their situation.”
The program serves as an advocate for the patient in navigating the healthcare system during a difficult time for the patient and their family. Listings of care providers and other information on breast cancer is available through the free program. The Compass also offers a monthly support group every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Oswego Hospital Health Services Center Lower Level Conference Room.
“There are a variety of providers and options available to those with breast cancer from surgeons to mental health professionals. Our goal is to make sense of these options and assist the patient in finding the right services for them,” Greeney said.
For more information about The Compass, call Lori Greeney, RN, at 315-349-5627 or e-mail lgreeney@oswegohealth.org. For more information on Oswego Hospital and the Oswego Health system, or to make a donation to The Compass program, call the Development and Community Relations Department at 315-349-5500.
