Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disproportionately impacts underserved and minority populations, compounded by systemic barriers in care. These populations face increased risk factors yet often experience delayed diagnoses and limited access to specialists, leading to later-stage detection. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Karen S. Waldrop, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, a GI oncology nurse navigator at UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer, and Henry Rendon, a patient diagnosed with HCC in June 2023. Together, they share insights on the vital role of multidisciplinary teams and how nurse navigators can mitigate access barriers by improving patient outreach, facilitating access to care, and guiding patients through the complexities of the health care system.

"Karen, my nurse navigator, knew everything I was going through. She made sure everything was coordinated and ran smoothly. She communicated clearly and thoroughly every time. I never had to second-guess what was happening. She made sure I was prepared, not just once, but every step of the way." - Henry Rendon, patient guest with HCC

"At our institution, we have a clinic where the patient can see a medical oncologist, a liver medical physician, an interventional radiology specialist, a pharmacist… the whole gamut. If they need social work, we'll pull in social work. If they need palliative care, we'll pull in palliative care. And that's in one visit. For folks with transportation issues or those who live far away, it's truly the best way to get care." - Karen S. Waldrop, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG

Karen S. Waldrop, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG

GI Oncology Nurse Navigator

UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer

Birmingham, Alabama

Henry Rendon

Patient Guest, diagnosed with HCC

Helena, Alabama

Additional Resources:

Multidisciplinary HCC Care Effective Practices in Care Coordination - https://bit.ly/4lHTpbN

HCC Education and Protocols to Advance Treatment through Integrated Collaboration - https://bit.ly/42GpatW

Understanding practices and gaps in multidisciplinary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) care within the community oncology setting - https://bit.ly/3XT4k84

Building Multidisciplinary Care Capacity for People Impacted by Hepatocellular Carcinoma - https://bit.ly/44rgFUS