Cancer Navigator

“Cancer Navigator” is a project designed to assist cancer patients and their care partners address barriers to treatment by providing them with tools to better understand their diagnosis and treatment, and improve their quality of life. The program is comprised of two main components: a “Cancer Basics” video-based information series, and a local resource guide/map providing information on locally available and affordable food, housing and transportation services.

OBJECTIVES:
‣Provide relevant information to patients and care partners about cancer related topics such as what to expect from treatments, side effects, exercise/nutrition, etc.
‣Increase health literacy among patients and care partners
‣Decrease patient anxiety and distress
‣Improve adherence to treatment

OUTCOMES:
‣Increase in patients’ and care partners’ knowledge of cancer and its treatment
‣Improved patient and care partner satisfaction with quality of care
‣Reduced patients’ and care partners’ levels of distress
‣Improved patient compliance with treatment
‣Decreased burden on hospital staff

IMPACT:
The pilot launched in 2020 in Bogotá, Colombia and will expand to 3 additional sites in Colombia and Viet Nam in 2021, providing educational resources and navigational support with the potential of reaching more than 10,000 cancer patients and their families every day.