Cancer Institute

West Penn Allegheny Health System takes a unique approach to breast cancer care, pairing newly diagnosed patients with special nurse “navigators” who help guide their care, every step of the way.

As part of our Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator Program, we provide the services of four dedicated nurse navigators—each specially trained to help patients understand and navigate the often-complex world of breast cancer treatment.

These expert nurses follow patients from the time of initial diagnosis throughout their treatment and follow-up care. Depending on the patients’ needs and preferences, navigators are available to counsel their patients via phone, email, or face-to-face meetings. They begin the process by helping patients understand what to expect in the coming days and months. As needed, navigators also facilitate appointment scheduling, connect patients with financial and social support services, educate patients on available clinical trials, and encourage them as they finish treatment and prepare to resume their normal activities and commitments.

Program Highlights:

• Offers four dedicated nurse navigators
• Provides continuity of care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond
• Helps facilitate appointment scheduling
• Connects patients with appropriate resources
• Informs patients about available clinical trials

Our Nurse Navigators: 

• Marilyn Holmes, RN

• Marianne Jeffries, RN, BSN

• Heather Kennihan, RN

• Karen Schwaderer, RN, BSN, OCN®

For more information, call the Nurse Navigator Program at 412.359.6667 or email nursenavigator@wpahs.org.