Abstract PS5-11-25: Oncology patient engagement to improve outcomes: the power of patient navigation

Abstract Background: In 2017, a Breast Cancer (BC) Patient Navigation Program was implemented in diagnostic centers of the public health system in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This program achieved excellent results, such as reduced time to treatment initiation, reduced mortality from breast cancer, increased overall survival, and increased patient satisfaction with the use of health services. However, one of the greatest benefits of the PNP Rio was promoting patient engagement, which made them proactive in their health care and participated in changes to public policies in the country. Aim: To describe the success of the implementation of a breast cancer patient navigation program in the public health network, from the perspective of patients. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal observational and retrospective study with women over 18 years of age diagnosed with BC. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from medical records of the Rio Imagem Diagnostic Center and the Heloneida Studart State Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, from 2017 to 2024. Interviews were conducted with patients to learn about their participation and that of their friends and family in the trajectory of political achievements on the topic of patient navigation in Brazil. Results: There were 840 BC patients with a mean age of 57 years (26 to 93 years) and 40% with initial staging (0-IIA). The increase in the mean rate for initiation of treatment within 60 days was 9% to 52%. 79 patients died of BC. The 5-year specific survival rate was 92.6%. Survival was higher for patients initially treated with surgery (97.9%, p < 0.0001), histological grade 1 (94.5%, p = 0.002), luminal biological profiles (98.4%, p < 0.0001); and treatment within 60 days (95.3%, p = 0.005). Stratification of the 5-year mortality risk by advanced stage revealed higher mortality among women who were not treated within 60 days (HR = 2.00 [1.23; 3.24]). 100% of patients are satisfied with patient navigation services. Patients participated in the maintenance of the PNP, approaching local politicians and medical managers. Patients helped to draft the first law in the national territory on patient navigation in oncology, Municipal Law No. 7,197/21, which inspired Federal Law No. 14,758/23 on the subject. Conclusion: A Breast Cancer Patient Navigation Program has contributed to increased adherence to the federal law that requires treatment to be initiated within 60 days, contributing to reducing mortality from this disease in patients in the public health system. One of the greatest contributions of the introduction of the patient navigator was the promotion of patient engagement, who became co-responsible for their treatment and allowed the social participation of these patients in the construction of effective public policies for BC control in Brazil. Citation Format: S. M. GIOIA, L. Fonseca, I. Santos, M. Rocha, L. Brigagão, R. Costa, M. Moraes, P. Martins, A. Andrade, . Oncology patient engagement to improve outcomes: the power of patient navigation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-11-25.