A breast cancer diagnosis brings an introduction to a whole new world of medical terms and difficult treatment decisions. Women at the Cancer Centers of North Carolina have a new ally in their fight.

Dawn Barringer is an oncology nurse with special training as a breast health navigator. She is a resource to patients, answering their questions, explaining medical terms and relaying information to and from doctors.

"Dawn never feels burdened, you know, by my questions, as crazy as they are or as indepth research as they are," said Beverly Lovelace, who was diagnosed in July. "She always takes it in and she gets back to me. I would probably hold a lot more inside and not ask as many questions to Dr. Campbell."

Breast health navigators are a growing trend in large medical centers across the country, but not as common in physicians' offices. Dr. Elizabeth Campbell says the role would be valuable with many types of cancer, but is especially important for breast cancer patients, who are balancing busy lives with cancer treatment.

"Most of these people are people who've come in from being totally healthy people," Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, Cancer Centers of North Carolina. "All of a sudden they're just thrown into this ocean of medical-ness, none of which really makes any sense at first."

For Barringer, who lost a sister to breast cancer, the work has a special meaning.

"I have a true passion for this and feel like I get to serve in a special area," said Barringer.

Find out more about the breast health navigator role and how it might be applied in other types of cancer by clicking on the video links above.