Lived Experience in Cancer Care and Research
Patients and caregivers play a crucial role in improving cancer care through the Patient and Family Engagement program.
The program expands to match patient advocates with researchers, enhancing clinical trials and studies with authentic patient insights.
- Some patients become advocates due to positive experiences, such as early diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Others get involved after facing challenges, like misdiagnosis, which can spark a path into patient advocacy.
Personal experiences, whether positive or negative, drive patient advocates to improve cancer care and research.
For example, Brandelyn Bergstedt, director of Fred Hutch Cancer Center's Patient Experience Program, became an advocate after a misdiagnosis during pregnancy.
Author's summary: Patient engagement enhances cancer care and research.