We are proud to announce the Oncology Hero of the month, presented by Azra AI. This recognition celebrates an Oncology Hero—an individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication and impact in the oncology field. For October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are so happy to recognize Angelique Cygan, a Breast Oncology Navigator at Mount Nittany Health in State College, Pennsylvania. Angelique’s heartfelt service and unwavering commitment have not only elevated the lives of countless patients but also brought essential resources and education to her community. Here, Angelique shares her journey and invaluable insights into her role as a navigator and her passion for supporting patients.
A Passion for Navigating Cancer Care
Angelique began her career in oncology navigation 11 years ago, coming from a background as a hospice nurse. The role was new to Mount Nittany at the time, and Angelique quickly recognized the need for education on cancer screening and preventive care. “In hospice, I’d often work with stage 4 cancer patients,” she recalls. “Some had never had a mammogram or didn’t understand their screening options. I thought, ‘If I could reach them earlier, I could make a difference.’” Angelique’s goal became clear: to catch patients before they reached advanced stages of cancer, educating not only them but also their families on the importance of early detection.
Bringing Resources and Compassionate Care to Patients
Angelique credits Mount Nittany’s generous community support for helping her team provide much-needed assistance. From financial aid to transportation support, she describes the profound impact of these resources on patients' lives. “We’re fortunate to have many ways to help, thanks to community donors. It’s rare we have to tell a patient there’s nothing we can do,” she says. For Angelique, the abundance of resources is a motivating factor that allows her to continue in this challenging yet deeply rewarding field.
Daily Inspiration and the Power of Teamwork
Navigating cancer care is as demanding as it is fulfilling, and Angelique emphasizes the importance of self-care and team support. “Healthy boundaries are crucial,” she says. “I work with two other navigators and a financial navigator, and we make sure to listen to each other.” Angelique reads self-help books and engages in regular conversations with her team to stay grounded and ready for each day.
The Role of Technology in Oncology Navigation
Technology plays a significant role in Angelique’s work, particularly Azra AI’s platform, which identifies patients early in their diagnosis journey. This proactive approach allows her to offer guidance on logistical needs, like coordinating appointments or addressing educational barriers, before patients even meet with their oncologists. “With Azra AI, we’ve become part of the care team sooner,” she says. “Patients now have a familiar face to reach out to, which builds trust.”
Words of Wisdom for Patients and Fellow Navigators
For those recently diagnosed, Angelique encourages asking for a navigator. “When your doctor says you have cancer, ask if there’s someone to guide you through the process,” she advises. For fellow navigators, she recommends embracing the role wholeheartedly. “If you’re passionate about helping and educating people, this is where you need to be,” she shares.
With technology, community resources, and her compassionate approach, Angelique is transforming oncology navigation in her community. Azra AI congratulates Angelique Cygan, a true Oncology Hero, for her tireless work in making cancer care accessible and compassionate. Her dedication, vision, and resilience are an inspiration to us all.
Check out our full conversation with Angelique in the video below!
In addition to the Oncology Hero recognition, Azra AI has made a contribution to the charity of Angelique's choice in the month of October 2024. Angelique's charity of choice is Pink Zone. Please join us in donating to this organization this month!
