Cancer Navigator
Provided as a free service of the St. Joseph Cancer Institute, the cancer navigator
program is designed to assist patients and their families to obtain the information,
knowledge, support, and guidance they need to successfully manage cancer care.
The cancer navigator meets newly diagnosed cancer patients and provides educational
materials, individualized patient education, patient and family support, and referrals
to appropriate community services. Working closely with the medical staff, the cancer
navigator is the key to the coordination of care and navigation through the health
care system for the individual patient. Patients diagnosed with cancer are educated,
supported, and navigated through the continuum of care. The navigator also coordinates
all cancer support groups and activities. Designated as the institute's single point
of contact for patients and caregivers, the focus of the navigator's role is to
make it easy for patients and their families to access services and information.
St. Joseph Medical Center recognizes that treating and living with cancer requires
a team effort. Diagnostic services, surgery, medical oncology, pain management,
home health, rehabilitation services, and a variety of other areas may be involved
in a patient's treatment. The cancer navigator helps serve as a liaison between
the patient and the St. Joseph care teams