Patient Empowerment in Cancer Care with Karen Malkin-Lazarovitz

Episode Show Notes: Patient Empowerment in Cancer Care

Guest: Karen Malkin-Lazarovitz

• Patient Health Advocate
• Founder of EMPOWERink
• Founder of BRCA Sisterhood
• Advocate for personal empowerment and redefinition of beauty

Context: At a time when 6.5 million Canadians lack access to a family doctor, understanding how to navigate genetic health risks within our primary care system is more crucial than ever.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Patient Self-Advocacy

• Importance of trusting one's instincts
• Finding the right healthcare professionals
• Balance between respect and assertiveness
• Role of various healthcare providers, including nurses

2. Genetic Testing in Primary Care

• Evolution of cancer genetics knowledge
• Continuing education for healthcare providers
• Challenges with keeping up with new developments

3. Healthcare Navigation

• Working with multiple healthcare providers
• Getting second opinions
• Patient-provider relationship dynamics

Notable Quotes:

• "Every doctor is just a person and they've all learned in a different way and they've been taught in a different system."
• "There's the old school way of thinking as doctor knows best, but as a patient, we are learning that our voice matters too."
• "It's your life and it's your body and you're the most important."

Key Takeaways:

1. Patients should feel empowered to advocate for themselves
2. The importance of seeking second opinions when needed
3. Medical knowledge, especially in genetics, is constantly evolving
4. Multiple healthcare professionals can be valuable resources

You can contact Karen through:

 

Website: www.empowerink.ca

email: karenlazarovitz@gmail.com

Instagram: @empowerink_ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EMPOWERinktattoos