Transforming the Lives of Young Women with the PYNK Program

Supporting Young Women with Breast Cancer: A Physician Assistant’s Perspective

Sandy Vuong relates closely to the young women she supports. As a Physician Assistant and patient navigator in Sunnybrook’s PYNK program, she shares, "Being at a similar stage in life as many of my patients, I can personally understand how a life-threatening diagnosis can deeply impact their lives. I find this connection helps me explain things in a way that resonates with them.” She adds that this shared understanding fosters a level of comfort where patients are more likely to open up about how breast cancer treatment may affect them personally.

Canadian First at Sunnybrook

Established in 2004 by Dr. Ellen Warner and dedicated team, PYNK is a groundbreaking program designed specifically for women aged 40 and younger who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. As the first of its kind in Canada, PYNK provides comprehensive medical oncology care at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Program — thanks to donor support. Sandy shares her first hand perspective as a physician assistant, and the impactful work being done through Sunnybrook’s PYNK program.

Sunnybrook Foundations: Why did you want to work in the PYNK program?

Sandy Vuong: It’s a very personal journey. I previously worked in gynecologic oncology, and really liked the focus in oncology as it relates to women’s health. When I came to Sunnybrook four years ago, I worked in the emergency department at first, but when there was an opening for a physician assistant in the PYNK program, I knew I wanted to be back in the oncology setting and connected with women’s health.

SBF: How is your role helping Sunnybrook trailblaze patient care?

SV: When someone learns about their breast cancer diagnosis, it’s a big shock and can be difficult to process. My approach is to meet with patients about a week following their diagnosis so that they had a chance to process those initial emotions and come up with questions. I’m here to offer long-term support as part of the care team. I help bridge the gap between physicians and patients by allowing them to share what they understand about their diagnosis, then provide a detailed overview of their treatment plan. We discuss potential side effects and how to manage them, while our social worker addresses practical concerns, such as how to talk to their children or navigating time off work. This comprehensive approach ensures patients feel supported medically and emotionally.

SB: What does collaboration mean for Sunnybrook’s PYNK program?

SV: What I have learned working with Dr. Warner, is that she really cares about the patient beyond their cancer diagnosis. The first thing she talks about with a patient is their interests, their family, and their work. She really takes the time to find out who they are on a very personal level. Working with Dr. Warner has made me a better clinician. I see everyone as an individual with unique personal lives - children, families, and jobs - and I can see how treatment can affect them. In my role, I try to find ways to minimize disruption in their daily life allowing them to hopefully maintain a sense of normalcy during treatment.

SB: What should donors know about the PYNK program?

SV: With the rise of young people being diagnosed with cancer, there is opportunity for the PYNK program to be expanded with another navigator. We offer educational events for both patients and health care providers which cover topics such as impact of breast cancer treatment on sexual health and treatment considerations for young women with breast cancer. We also have a dedicated child life specialist who gives patients the support and courage to be able to communicate their diagnosis with their children.