Anees B. Chagpar on the Role of Nurses in the Breast Cancer Decision-Making Process

Anees B. Chagpar, MD, MSc, MA, MPH, associate professor of Surgery (Oncology), director, The Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, program director, Interdisciplinary Breast Fellowship, assistant director, Diversity and Health Equity at Yale Cancer Center, discusses the role of a nurse in the decision-making process for breast cancer care.

A nurse can bring a lot to the table when it comes to decision making, according to Chagpar. A nurse often will echo information initially provided by a physician in more patient-friendly language.

Chagpar says a nurse also will provide emotional support and give a patient peace of mind. Oftentimes, a patient just needs a sounding board so that their concerns are understood.