The Cancer Center’s Oncology Patient Navigation Program focuses on helping you overcome barriers that prevent you from getting the treatment you need.

Patient navigators work to empower you by linking you to a broad range of services. They’ll meet with you during your cancer care appointments and provide a behind-the-scenes support by reaching out to resources or other clinics on your behalf.

 

 

 

 ## The Five Ws of Patient Navigation

Learn more about who patient navigators are, what they do, and how they can help you throughout your cancer journey.



 

 ### Who are patient navigators?

Navigators are a key part of any clinical team. They are trained professionals who are educated in helping patients overcome healthcare barriers through their cancer care journey.

 

  ### What do patient navigators do?

Navigators act as connectors to social resources. Navigators work with patients to address many barriers, such as:

- Transportation services
- Providing appointment reminders
- Referrals to community resources for food and financial support
- Helping patients understand complex treatment schedules
- Insurance questions

 

  ### When do patient navigators get involved?

Navigators can start helping patients at any point throughout their cancer care journey, resources can be provided as soon as the time of diagnosis up to survivorship.

 

  ### Where are patient navigators at BMC?

Navigators can be found across many departments helping both patients and healthcare staff in many ways. While there are dedicated professionals that assist patients at BMC, the process of navigation may occur at any time with healthcare staff when a patient has identified a barrier to their care.

 

  ### Why does patient navigation happen?

Navigation have been shown to:

- Improve quality of care
- Decrease missed appointments
- Improve communication with the healthcare team
- Increase patient participation in treatment decision-making

The earlier a navigator is involved in a patient's care the sooner they show benefits within their cancer care journey. If you are interested in meeting with a patient navigator, please ask your doctor or nurse about this service.

 

  

 

 

 ## How We Can Help Support You

Learn how you can take advantage of the Cancer Center’s support offerings.

 

 ###  [Cancer Center Support](/departments/cancer-center/support) 

 The BMC Cancer Center supports you during all aspects of care—from diagnosis through treatment and recovery—with more than just medical care. 

 

 

 ###  [Complementary Services](/departments/cancer-center/support/complementary-services) 

 BMC offers integrative and complementary health services, such as acupuncture, to patients. 

 

 

 ###  [Featured Programs](/departments/cancer-center/support/featured-programs) 

 We hold a variety of workshops, cultural events, potlucks, and more throughout the year for patients and their families. 

 

 

 ###  [Special Events](/departments/cancer-center/support/special-events) 

 Throughout the year, BMC organizes a variety of special events that bring people together—educational, inspirational, stimulating, or relaxing, but always enjoyable! 

 

 

 ###  [Support Activities](/departments/cancer-center/support/activities) 

 We offer ongoing support activities where you can get to know other patients while building skills or participating in mind/body activities. 

 

 

 ###  [Support Groups](/departments/cancer-center/support/support-groups) 

 We offer support groups in multiple languages, so you can connect with people who have had similar experiences to your cancer journey.