Guidance Through the Cancer Journey

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our oncology nurse navigators are here to support you every step of the way.

Available through physician or self-referral, Baptist Health System’s navigation program provides one-on-one guidance to each patient. The scope of services offered begins with education and insights into a patient’s respective cancer diagnosis –helping decipher medical terminologies and treatment plan options. Then, in alignment with patients’ physicians, providing coordination among a multidisciplinary team to facilitate access to care.

The goal of oncology navigation is to break down barriers that can get in the way of patients receiving needed treatments expediently. This can include medical barriers, as well as personal ones, like transportation to an appointment or childcare options during treatment. Our oncology navigators are in touch with community resources that can help fill gaps in seamless delivery of care.

According to the Oncology Nursing Society, navigation in oncology has been shown to:

  • Reduce the time to diagnosis and treatment
  • Improve patient and caregiver understanding
  • Enhance adherence to recommended care
  • Boost quality of life
  • Lower healthcare costs by reducing ER visits and readmissions

Baptist Health System's oncology patient navigators are committed to compassionate, patient-centered care. We aim to make your cancer journey as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones.

What Is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?

An oncology nurse navigator is a registered nurse who has focused and advanced her knowledge of a specific area of cancer care over time and in multiple settings. Out of this focus, experience is accumulated, and insights are gained into the issues facing patients and their families. From a history of working with multidisciplinary medical teams, the oncology navigators understand the importance of communication, coordinating care, tracking patient progress, and providing ongoing education – from diagnosis through treatment to survivorship.

What Does an Oncology Nurse Navigator Do?

The key objective of oncology nurse navigators is to break down barriers to patients receiving the cancer care they need in a timely manner. Navigators provide essential education in explaining diagnoses and treatment options to the patients and their families. And they offer psychosocial support to help manage the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.

Common patient barriers to care may include:

  • Lack of transportation
  • Lack of care for children or elderly relatives
  • Not understanding the importance of cancer screenings
  • Speaking a language other than English
  • Mistrust of the healthcare system
  • Fear of cancer screening procedures or receiving a diagnosis

Who Are the Oncology Nurse Navigators?

Our oncology navigators have deep experience in breast cancer and are helping Baptist Hospital System provide a scope of expertise in thoracic cancers – the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Their involvement benefits patients and a multidisciplinary medical team by improving communication and helping ensure that each patient receives timely, comprehensive and compassionate care.

Baptist oncology nurse navigators are experienced registered nurses with backgrounds in various cancer care settings. They are available to empower patients and families with the support and education needed to navigate the cancer treatment journey, from diagnosis to survivorship.

How To Find a Patient Navigator?

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer or is currently undergoing treatment, our oncology nurse navigator program is here to support you. This free, confidential service is available to anyone seeking care and guidance from our oncology nurse navigators. Many patients come to us through referrals from their physicians, but that is not necessary. Patients can refer themselves.

Key steps to find a Baptist Health System Oncology Nurse Navigator are:

Step 1: Reach Out

Fill out the oncology navigator form, email us or call 210-297-CNCR (2627) to request assistance.

Step 2: Get Connected

An oncology navigator will contact you to discuss your needs.

Step 3: Get Individualized Support

Your oncology nurse navigator will educate you and your loved ones regarding your diagnosis, treatment plan and survivorship; coordinate care with doctors and the cancer care team; and facilitate access to needed community resources.

We are your partner in care through every step of your cancer journey.

Navigating Cancer.

Better Together.

Oncology Nurse Navigators FAQ

Meet Our Oncology Nurse Navigators

Kayla Byrd, RN, OCN

Thoracic Oncology Nurse Navigator

Mobile: 210-430-7109

Fax: 210-730-9693     

Email: [email protected]

 

Kayla Byrd is a Registered Nurse, (RN) with over 16 years of experience in healthcare. She has been designated as an `Oncology Certified Nurse` since 2014. During her career she has pursued and gained knowledge in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including positions in acute care hospital settings, home health, pre-op and recovery, in-patient and outpatient infusion, radiation, and leadership. In 2018, she found her passion for helping guide patients through a collaborative effort of private sector care supported by community-provided resources. In 2021, she became an oncology nurse navigator with Baptist Health System.

 

In 2023, Kayla was asked to launch the Lung Program at Baptist. In this role, she assists thoracic oncology patients, working closely with pulmonology, radiology, thoracic surgery, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology specialists. Additionally, she manages the Baptist Lung Nodule Conference, the Baptist Thoracic Tumor Board, the Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Screening Navigation Program, and is helping to stand up the Baptist Incidental Findings Program and Baptist Pulmonary Clinic. 

Katy Flanagan, BSN, RN

Breast Nurse Navigator

Mobile: 210-440-4954

Fax: 210-730-9693     

Email: [email protected]

 

Katy Flanagan is a native San Antonian who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2018. As a specialty surgical floor nurse, she primarily cared for patients before and after oncology surgeries. Through this experience, she discovered a special connection with breast cancer patients and refined her focus to caring for women undergoing breast reconstructive surgery.

 

Since 2024, Katy has been a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator with Baptist Health System. Patients come to her through referrals from their physicians or on their own, following breast biopsies at imaging centers. There, patients receive a form offering navigation assistance from Baptist Health System. If they choose it, Katy is notified. She then reaches out to the patient and their close relationship begins.

 

Whether a biopsy is benign, high-risk, or malignant, Katy ensures patients receive their results in a timely manner and that they understand their pathology - the diagnosis and the details about their type of breast cancer. Katy then collaborates with all physicians and specialists involved and assists her patients in determining the best treatment option.

 

During patients’ cancer journeys, obstacles arise. Some are clinical, while others can be personal. No issue is too large or too small for Katy to address for her patients. Whether it be finding transportation or childcare or interfacing with specialists - Katy is committed to being her patients’ advocate and staunchest supporter.

Jennifer Ysassi, MHA

Oncology Lay Navigator

Mobile: 210-440-4641

Fax: 210-730-9693     

Email:  [email protected]

 

Jennifer Ysassi began her healthcare career with Baptist Health System in 2004 working directly with patients at Baptist M&S Imaging. While working at Baptist, she earned an undergraduate degree in human resources then a master’s degree in healthcare administration. With an expanded knowledge of health care, Jennfier continued her work in diagnostic imaging but refined her focus. She discovered her desire to help patients with diagnosed with breast cancer, wanting to be a part of their journeys.

 

In her capacity as a lay person navigator, Jennifer is often the first point of contact for someone wanting to meet with an oncology nurse navigator. Her gentle kindness is a beacon of light for many during a very dark time. During patients’ journeys, Jennifer provides support and guidance in non-clinical yet needed areas, collaborating with community resources, and facilitating the work of the nurse navigators.

 

Jennifer Yssasi strives to foster strong relationships with patients and their families, as well as with clinicians and community resources. Her goals are clear:  help improve patient outcomes by breaking down barriers to care, and to enhance the overall healthcare experience for every patient.

 

More Information

Get Early Cancer Screening Programs for Prevention

Most cancers start with abnormal cells growing out of control. Sometimes you will experience symptoms, but often you will not. That is why regular early cancer screening programs and self-examinations are so important. Finding and treating cancer in its earlier stages is much easier, and potentially life-saving, than waiting until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

In 2017, there were an estimated 1,688,780 new cancer cases diagnosed and 600,920 cancer deaths in the U.S. Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the U.S., accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths. Screening tests are available for many forms of cancer, including colorectal, breast, cervical and prostate.

Early Cancer Screening Programs for Men and Women

Both men and women are encouraged to undergo colorectal cancer tests beginning at age 50 (or earlier if they have risk factors for developing the disease). Screening tests for colorectal cancer include:

  • Stool tests, which tests for blood in the stool
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which allows the doctor to check the rectum and lower part of the colon
  • CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy), which uses an X-ray to find abnormal spots
  • Colonoscopy, which allows the doctor to examine the entire colon

Screening for Women

 There is a current debate in the United States over the best time to begin screening mammograms for breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services (USPTF) has recommended that the biennial screening mammography for women should be done between the ages of 50 to 74 years. The recommendation among other health experts has not changed, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons.

They continue to recommend that women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40, or earlier if they are at higher risk. The decision about when to start regular, biennial screening mammography should be a result of your individual discussion with your physician. Monthly self exams help women know the normal state of their breasts.

Another screening recommended for women is a Pap test to detect pre-cancerous cells in the cervix or cervical cancer. The test should be done at least every three years between ages 21 and 29, and at least every five years from age 30 to 65. After age 65, women who have had normal results in the past may no longer need screenings. Treatment is available to prevent cervical cancer from developing or when it is found early.

Cancer Screening for Men

Men can be screened for prostate cancer as early as age 40 if they are at high risk for developing the disease. Having a first-degree relative with prostate cancer or being African-American may increase a man’s chances of having prostate cancer. Screening for the condition may include a digital rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen blood test. Men also are encouraged to examine their testicles on a routine basis to check for testicular cancer. Any lump or swelling should be reported to a physician as soon as possible. Testicular cancer is not common, but it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Screening recommendations can vary for different cancers and depend on the patient’s medical history, family history and lifestyle. Doctors may advise patients to be screened regularly or at a younger age if they are inactive, use tobacco products, drink alcohol or eat a high-fat diet. For more information about cancer screenings, talk with your doctor.