The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Parkridge

Oncology Navigator

What happens when someone is diagnosed with cancer?
Usually a person hears the word cancer, and their world closes in. First, fear, then confusion, then the patient begins to navigate the health system.  We want to help these patients maneuver through the system to obtain the best possible care toward optimal outcomes.

What does the Navigator do?
The most important role is to break down barriers that prevent good cancer care. This can range from basic cancer education to resource referrals necessary to help get the care needed.

Knowledge is power.
Understanding what is happening to the patient is key in helping them understand treatment options. The more information provided to the patient going through a new diagnosis, the better equipped they are at making treatment decisions. The Navigator does not direct care, but provide explanations that allow the patient to make good decisions. Patients retain about 3 percent of what they are told and need to hear options and explanations of options more than once to help them make crucial treatment decisions.

Breaking down barriers becomes an issue in the treatment of cancer.  All health care is expensive and cancer care is particularly expensive.  Many patients have financial or social issues that prevent appropriate treatment. There may be programs in the community that can alleviate some of these barriers allowing patients to access appropriate care.  One example of a barrier that is encounted quite frequently is transportation. 

There are a number of tools and resources available to patients experiencing a new diagnosis. We have a resource room in The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center that has books, videos, and internet capability for patients and family members to research needed information.  We provide periodic support groups to include, American Cancer Society’s “I Can Cope” program twice a year. This is a six week cancer education course patients and their families can attend to help them understand cancer, cancer treatment, and provide practical help in coping with the emotional issues resulting from diagnosis.  We tap into other support activities in the community based on the specific needs of the patient and family members.

We provide Bereavement counseling groups twice a year. This is not only for those that have lost a family member to cancer, but a death from any diagnosis. This is a course to help the remaining family member cope with the elements surrounding the loss of a loved one.

Ultimately, the navigator role is a patient advocate role. Assessment of the patient and their specific needs reveal an individual treatment plan for the patient. Emotional support and knowing they have someone they can call can make the difference in patient care and patient outcomes.