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Karen Schmitt, RN
KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified) )| Communities: All Cancers | Answers: 7 |
| Member Since: Nov. 2011 |
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Professional Statement
Karen Schmitt, MA, RN is the Director of The Northern Manhattan Cancer Screening Partnership.
The Cancer Screening Partnership is housed at New York Presbyterian - Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Partnership focuses on low-income women aged 40 and older, living in underserved communities. Women receive free cancer screenings, work-up and treatments, peer support, genetic counseling, and enrollment into cancer clinical trials. With funding from the New York State Department of Health, the CDC, and Komen Greater NYC, the Partnership has been able to provide outreach, education, recruitment, screening, diagnostic, and treatment services and case management to uninsured women in the New York area who otherwise would not have been eligible to receive the quality medical care at Columbia University. Since 1998, over 50,000 women received breast and cervical screenings through the Partnership. In addition, 11,000 uninsured women received comprehensive case-management, treatment and supportive services.
The Cancer Screening Partnership is housed at New York Presbyterian - Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Partnership focuses on low-income women aged 40 and older, living in underserved communities. Women receive free cancer screenings, work-up and treatments, peer support, genetic counseling, and enrollment into cancer clinical trials. With funding from the New York State Department of Health, the CDC, and Komen Greater NYC, the Partnership has been able to provide outreach, education, recruitment, screening, diagnostic, and treatment services and case management to uninsured women in the New York area who otherwise would not have been eligible to receive the quality medical care at Columbia University. Since 1998, over 50,000 women received breast and cervical screenings through the Partnership. In addition, 11,000 uninsured women received comprehensive case-management, treatment and supportive services.
Professional Info
Credential: RN
Areas of expertise: Breast cancer screening, navigating breast cancer, informed decision making, survivorship care plan, long term impact of cancer
Research interests: Health literacy in minority and underserved communities, efficacy of case management
Hospital or other affiliation: New York Presbyterian - Columbia University Medical Center
KarenSchmittRN Activities
Until we can develop screening methods that can predict who will develop breast cancer, my advice to young women of average risk (no family history, no breast biopsies indicating ‘pre-cancerous’ changes) to know their bodies and examine themselves monthly after their menstrual period. I know that breast self examination is controversial, however, in my experience; it is self exam that brings younger women with breast changes to our door.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) High Risk, Advice, Young Women, Breast Cancer High Risk
3
Answers |
1 year ago
I think that as a society, we could do much better nutritionally. Nutritional counseling is important and should include family members or friends who will help with meals during treatment. Women should ask to see a nutritionist who will tailor a healthy program based on food preferences and culture.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Health, Behavior Change, Healthy Eating, Eating, Nutrition, Life Change
2
Answers |
1 year ago
Empowerment through information is key. Provision of free community based education and educational meetings like our Women of Color conference are modalities that we have found successful. Reliable websites created by Komen, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute can be accessed in libraries and have information in Spanish. Cultural competency is also important. Services providers who share the same racial/ethnic background and language are also empowering.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Empowered Patient, Uninsured Patients, Underserved Patients, Uninsured, Underserved, Engaged Patient
1
Answer |
1 year ago
Part of the discussion of treatment options includes the percentage of success each treatment modality offers for a specific type of breast cancer. In an academic medical center, the physician treating patents are also researchers. They have knowledge of cutting edge treatments, and will answer all questions to the patient’s satisfaction. Bringing a list of questions to your appointments and having a friend or family member available to takes notes can be very helpful.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Communication, Doctor-Patient Communication, Doctor Communication
1
Answer |
1 year ago
An advance directed is often offered at the point of admission to the hospital or in a physician’s office. An individual has the option of naming a family member or friend to act as their voice should they be in a position where they are unable to communicate. Choice of care options can be communicated in writing as part of the advance directive, one can be very specific. It is also recommended that the individual has a conversation with her physician and loved ones about their specific requests. Hospital and physician will indicate the presence of the advance directive in the patient record.
Individuals with concerns about how to broach the subject of end of life care with loved ones should speak with a counselor.
Individuals with concerns about how to broach the subject of end of life care with loved ones should speak with a counselor.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Advice, Family Communication, Advanced Directives
1
Answer |
1 year ago
A survivorship care plan includes, includes a record of all treatment received. Upon discharge from treatment, patients and their primary provider should receive a written follow-up care plan that includes; ongoing health maintenance, screening intervals and periodic testing, signs of recurrence, physical and emotional effects of treatment, recommendations for health behaviors, information on genetic counseling and testing as appropriate, information on chemoprevention, referral to specific care providers, and list of cancer related resources.
Questions to ask:
- List of medications and treatments
- Detailed plan of follow-up care
- Risk of recurrence or secondary cancers
- How to maintain health
- Possibility of short-term and long term side effects
- Resources for potential employment and insurance discrimination
- List of support groups
- Who will be monitoring care
The importance of the survivorship care plan is to assure that all providers involved in care are communicating, and that the individual patient has the information and support needed for ongoing care.
Questions to ask:
- List of medications and treatments
- Detailed plan of follow-up care
- Risk of recurrence or secondary cancers
- How to maintain health
- Possibility of short-term and long term side effects
- Resources for potential employment and insurance discrimination
- List of support groups
- Who will be monitoring care
The importance of the survivorship care plan is to assure that all providers involved in care are communicating, and that the individual patient has the information and support needed for ongoing care.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Post Cancer, Survivors, Life After Cancer, Survivorship Care Plan
1
Answer |
1 year ago
The demographics of the people we see are women age 40 plus who are at average risk for breast cancer. We are also able to screen women younger than 40 who are at high risk for breast cancer. Our Cancer Screening Partnership provides free screening and diagnostic work-up for uninsured individuals. A special Medicaid program is available for eligible individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Seventy percent of the women we serve are Hispanic. Staff are fluent in Spanish and are culturally diverse.
New answer by KarenSchmittRN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) New York City, Breast Cancer Screening, Demographics, Cancer Screening
1
Answer |
1 year ago
KarenSchmittRN's Profile
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