OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a nurse navigator in facilitating the management of patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted reviewing all patients seen at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Breast Center from November 20, 2009  to May 28, 2010. The management of patients utilizing a nurse navigator was compared with the management of those without a nurse navigator. With the expectation that patients clinically diagnosed with breast cancer should have the biopsy results within 2 weeks, operated on within another 2 weeks (if cancer is confirmed by the biopsy), or receive initial treatment within 1 month of initial consultation, duration of clinical courses were analyzed and compared statistically.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Nineteen patients who were managed with a nurse navigator were compared with 21 patients without a navigator. The mean duration of the clinical courses (from clinical diagnosis to initial intervention) of both groups was not statistically different. However, there were less patients with delayed initial intervention in the group with a nurse navigator (P = 0.0284). Only 1 patient in each group had their initial intervention within 1 month from initial consultation. The most common cause for delays were financial problems at 39% of delayed cases.