New Oncology Navigation Program Helps Ease a Cancer Patient’s Journey

Cape Cod Healthcare has further expanded locally available cancer care services through the development of a new Oncology Nurse Navigator position at the Davenport Mugar Cancer Center at Cape Cod Hospital. As an advocate for care, the Nurse Navigator works with both cancer patients and their caregivers to minimize the logistical burden of cancer care, helping to guide patients throughout the next steps after a suspicious finding and potential cancer diagnosis. From additional testing and treatment to ongoing follow-up, the Nurse Navigator provides an enhanced level of support, enabling patients to focus on recovery and healing. To date, this program is currently offered to patients with lung, GYN or head/neck cancers, with the goal of expanding to more oncology patients in the future. Oncology Navigation has been shown to positively impact patient outcomes by offering a more streamlined and supportive experience for cancer patients, which includes: ? Providing educational resources to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options ? Collaborating with the members of a patients’ healthcare team to eliminate barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment ? Connecting patients and caregivers to additional community, financial and support resources ? Facilitating a timely start for a patient’s care on Cape Cod and assistance with seeking a second opinion, if requested
This position has been supported by funding from generous donations via Alice’s Classroom, our oncology education initiative. Donations to this program can be made online here. In addition, all proceeds from the upcoming Soiree on the Bay event, taking place on September 21, will help fund the new Oncology Nurse Navigator position. Learn more about this program and how to access the support services: www.capecodhealth.org/oncology-navigator