Patient advocacy focuses on supporting and representing patients and their needs within the healthcare system. Patient advocates ensure they and other patients have access to optimal treatment options, promote awareness about cancer including risk reduction strategies, and address issues related to the quality of care. Patient advocates also work to improve communication between patients, healthcare providers, academia, and policy makers to advocate for policies that benefit patients with cancer and their families. They often provide their perspective and stories to influence policy, research, and clinical trials to ensure patients receive good treatment.

Here are key roles of patient advocates:

• Information and Education: Advocates provide patients with understandable information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and healthcare rights. This helps patients make informed decisions.
• Support: Advocates offer emotional and logistical support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of illness and treatment.
• Navigating Healthcare Systems: Advocates assist patients in navigating complex healthcare systems, including understanding medical bills, insurance policies, and accessing necessary services.
• Communication: They act as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers, helping to ensure that the patient’s voice is heard and that their preferences and concerns are communicated effectively.
• Empowerment: Advocates empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare, encouraging them to ask questions, seek second opinions, and advocate for themselves.
• Policy and Reform: Some patient advocates work on a broader scale, advocating for healthcare policy changes that improve patient care and access to services.
• Research Involvement: Advocates may also be involved in research, ensuring that patient perspectives and needs are considered in the development and implementation of medical studies and new treatments.

Overall, patient advocacy is about ensuring that patients are treated with respect, receive appropriate care, and have their voices heard in all aspects of their healthcare journey.