Many of us know someone affected by a chronic illness … it may even the person in the mirror. It becomes more personal when we understand the reality behind the diagnosis.

Given that nearly 2 in 5 men and women in the US will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives¹, it’s imperative that patients have a trusted advocate to help them understand what’s happening, access critical resources and services, and advocate for their best interest.

But what is a patient advocate? In the simplest terms, it’s someone who helps you get the care and support you need. Perhaps it’s a professional patient advocate, a family member or a friend. Or maybe all three.

It’s even more important if you’re trying to navigate this in an unfamiliar community … and especially if you don’t speak the same language as your health care professionals.

It’s simply overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

For Spanish speakers, MHP Salud has developed the downloadable Guía de bolsillo para las personas que apoyan a pacientes con cáncer (Pocket Guide to Patient Advocacy in Cancer), in partnership with Healing Works Foundation, which developed the original resource in English.

Along with our belief in person-centered care, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health – and finding the right patient advocate can be an important step.

You can read the full copy of Guía de bolsillo para las personas que apoyan a pacientes con cáncer here, or you can download your guide here.

Source:

1 https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics