In this blog we interview Emily, our Primary Care Network (PCN) care coordinator.
What is your role Emily?
I am Emily and I work for East Kennet PCN as a care coordinator supporting patients in all sorts of ways, including those with a cancer diagnosis or those who may be apprehensive about cancer screening.
What inspired you to work in a role that supports patients with a cancer diagnosis?
I was inspired to become a cancer care coordinator, as when I was younger a close family member was diagnosed with cancer. Luckily after early diagnosis and the right treatment, they have remained cancer free for 30 years.
Growing up around cancer made me realise how scary the process of diagnosis and treatment can be. Because of this family member’s diagnosis at a relatively young age, I also make sure I attend all cancers screenings which at first made me anxious, but by discussing my concerns with medical professionals my care was adjusted to my personal needs.
Why is screening important?
If cancer is detected in its early stages, there is a much better chance that treatment will be successful. This is why national screening programs are so important. There is nothing that makes me happier than hearing about a patient who has not attended screening for many years and then makes it in for their first appointment.
I believe one factor putting women off breast or cervical screening is that they think they have to ‘go it alone’. Screening providers are happy for women to bring a friend or family member and hospitals also have specially trained staff to accompany people to their appointments.
This is the first time I have gone for a cancer screen or test, what will make it easier for me?
If you’re uncertain of anything, staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your screening appointment. If you have additional needs, or if English isn’t your first language or if there is anything we can do to make you feel more comfortable, let us know prior to your appointment and we will do our best to accommodate your individual needs. We understand that all patients are unique and strive to always provide personalised care.
Examples of ways we can possibly support you as an individual include:
Information can be requested in easy read and different languages.
Appointments can be made longer so you can for instance discuss the cervical smear test with the nurse for longer before the procedure and have any adjustments made to the appointment.
If you would like a chaperone this can be arranged.
How can your role help support patients?
Within my role I meet and talk to staff across primary care and secondary care. I speak to patients about their individual experiences of screening and if needed, treatment. The overwhelming impression I have is of positivity of staff across the board doing their best to support patients sensitively and respectively, with the patients feeling their individual needs are listened to and supported.
What is World Cancer Day?
This is from the World Cancer Day website: Official website of World Cancer Day by UICC | 4 February
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis — it’s a deeply personal matter.
Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story - stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.
The campaign will explore different dimensions of people-centred cancer care and new ways of making a difference. It will offer a three- year journey from raising awareness to taking action.
Here at East Kennet PCN, we support patients with cancer in a personalised way and aim to provide the information and support that is important to you. If you are worried about attending a screening appointment, or if you have recently been diagnosed and would like some more support or information, please don't not hesitate to contact your surgery and ask for your care coordinator. If you are worried about any symptoms, please book a GP appointment as soon as possible.
The following are links to other organisations who can provide support and advice:
Comments