Jane Parish, Breast Cancer Patient Advocate

Hello. My name is Jane Parish. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1980's. At the time, I was an HMO patient, and rather unprepared for the journey ahead.

Like many women diagnosed with breast cancer, I had a lot of questions. My attempts to become better informed were little satisfied by the resources available to me at the time. They included pamphlets by the American Cancer Society, the State of California, and whatever I could find at the library.

Even more disturbing to me, though, was my health insurance -- which limited everything from my access to medical providers to my ability to choose from a full range of treatment options. As a result, and out of necessity, I became very adept at navigating the "minefield of managed care" as I came to see it.

Today, I am a breast cancer survivor as well as a breast cancer patient advocate. Following my experience, I vowed to help other women who would follow in my path by exploring and organizing the education process, and by providing support for other women with breast cancer.

As an advocate, I regularly monitor new information about the disease that affect patients with various health plans. I have consulted with hundreds of women over the years, accompanied some on doctor visits, and spent countless hours on the phone. I accept no compensation for my services and I am happy to talk to anyone who feels my experience may be helpful to them. More than anything, it is my hope to share information and to reduce the anxiety and stress that are commonly experienced by women in this most critical decision-making process.

Jane can be reached at (925) 820-1569