Diagnosis Disclosure: Patient Preferences and the Role of the Breast Nurse Navigator

Background: Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be traumatic and anxiety-producing. The way the diagnosis is disclosed to patients can affect their experience.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to determine patient preferences for being informed of a breast cancer diagnosis and the breast nurse navigator (BNN) role during the diagnostic experience.

Methods: A survey was mailed to 517 patients with breast cancer. Summary statistics were performed on 199 completed surveys.

Findings: Patients preferred to hear their diagnosis in person. BNNs were more likely to provide the right amount of support and resources compared to other providers. Patients described the following preferences: knowing results as soon as possible, having a personal touch/emotional support, receiving the information from an expert, and getting information about their disease and next steps.