Become a Breast Cancer Patient Expert

Do you also think that breast cancer care could be improved? Did you ever feel left out? Like an outsider? Or like someone who wasn’t aware of the services available? Many cancer patients share those feelings. Did you know that you can help improve these services? That , as a representative of all breast cancer patients in hospitals, research institutions, health insurance funds, and so on, you can make your voice heard? Soon, this will become a reality. You can combine your experience as a patient with high-quality training.

‍

Education

The Patient Expert Center (PEC), located in Zaventem, trains people with chronic or life-threatening conditions to become experts on their own illnesses. Thanks to a partnership with Pink Ribbon, PEC will soon launch the Breast Cancer Patient Expert training program. This program consists of approximately 40 hours, spread over six months. That means one evening a week, usually online. To represent your peers, you’re expected to be able to look beyond your own medical history and have some knowledge of how the healthcare system works. You must also have knowledge of the development and approval of medications and of patient rights, for example . Furthermore, you’ll learn to distinguish misinformation from accurate information and discover how and where you can do so. That’s what the first part of the training is all about. In part two, you’ll learn from doctors, psychologists, and other experts about breast cancer itself. How does breast cancer develop? What treatments are available? What new developments are in the pipeline? What specific social services for breast cancer are available? What is covered by insurance?

If you have regularly attended all the lessons and successfully completed the corresponding quizzes after each lesson, you will receive a Breast Cancer Patient Expert certificate. You will then truly become a voice in the debate and be able to participate in discussions with professional stakeholders.

‍

Commitment

The costs of the training program are fully covered by the Patient Expert Center. In addition, Pink Ribbon covers the second part of the training. The total cost is approximately 1,200 euros per person. As a trained Patient Expert, you’ll work as a volunteer, and your contribution will consist of dedication, team spirit, and motivation. You’ll advocate for your fellow patients. With the knowledge you’ve gained and your own experience as a patient, you can help improve medical practices and health policy.

We are looking for at least 25 candidates (per language region). We will hold an initial round of interviews in the spring. Men are also welcome to apply. They would certainly benefit from having a Patient Expert.

‍

Selection criteria for breast cancer 'Patient Experts'

You want to be a voice that is heard. Good for you! You are interested in becoming a representative for breast cancer patients. Great! Then you will undoubtedly want to know whether you are eligible for the Patient Expert breast cancer training program. Read the conditions below.

‍

Profile

• You have (had) breast cancer.
• You apply via Pink Ribbon .
• You have had a good basic education (not necessarily in the field of health), so that you can follow the Patient Expert Center training program. This preferably requires a higher education level, such as a professional bachelor's degree.
• You will have sufficient communication skills to represent breast cancer patients in meetings with professional stakeholders once you have completed the training.
• You are motivated to work as a volunteer.

Attitude and skills

• You accept that you are ill or on sick leave.
• You are open-minded and eager to take on a new challenge.
• Good communication and social skills are crucial.
• You are willing to complete the entire training program and are capable of successfully completing it. No prior knowledge is required.
• For this course, you need to be available for two hours per week from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for an online lesson. After each lesson, you will take the time to complete a test. If you are unable to attend, you can make up the lesson at a later time during the same week.
• After completing the training, you will be motivated to get involved in initiatives that require a breast cancer Patient Expert, and you will commit to projects run by Pink Ribbon .

Your benefits as a Breast Cancer Patient Expert

• You actively contribute to improving the lives of other women and men with breast cancer.
• You contribute to improving medical practices and health policy regarding breast cancer.
• You meet people who are in the same situation and professionals who are doing their best to improve care for breast cancer patients. You build a network.
• It is an enriching leisure activity.
• You will earn appreciation and gratitude for your efforts.

Does this sound like you? If so, please apply and briefly introduce yourself with a concise resume at loredewit@pink-ribbon.be

‍