ABSTRACT
Initially, the role of the BCN focused on psychological support but lacked formalization and national direction until new changes were initiated for cancer services in 1995 (10). These changes promoted delivery of a uniformly high level of care to all patients with cancer across the UK. In 1996, the National Health Service (NHS) Executive (11) prepared a series of standardized guidance documents on breast cancer services to provide optimum care for those with malignant disease. The BCN was included as one of the multidisciplinary team members, and this document recommended that the BCN should work exclusively in breast care and have completed the specialist course in counseling and communication [the A11 English National Board (ENB)]. Continued psychosocial support was highlighted as a crucial requirement throughout the patient’s cancer journey.
