A cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and difficult experience for patients and their families. Coordinating the spectrum of care needed to fight cancer takes a village, and OhioHealth patients have an advantage: a cancer navigator program to guide you through your treatments, offer health education and provide the support needed to manage your cancer diagnosis.
“As cancer navigators, we have the connections and ability to advocate for our patients,” says Katherine Ghilani, an oncology social work navigator at OhioHealth. “Our role is making sure our patients have what they need while letting them know that there’s always somebody they can ask for help or assistance.”
What is a cancer navigator?
The OhioHealth cancer navigator program is a resource you can use after you receive a cancer diagnosis. Cancer navigators are often nurses or social workers who have special training in oncology and cancer treatment, as well as the skills needed to facilitate and expedite care and services to meet your needs. By removing barriers to care, cancer navigators pave the way for more efficient and successful cancer treatment.
“We work with patients through the course of their treatment, survivorship or the management of cancer as a chronic disease,” says Casey Gallant, RN, oncology nurse navigator at OhioHealth. “Throughout the scope of their care, we assess each patient’s individual needs to ensure they can focus on fighting cancer and not worry about smaller details.”
How can cancer navigators help?
From scheduling appointments and coordinating care to helping with transportation and bills, cancer navigators have a unique and indispensable role in your cancer care journey. Because cancer navigators work to meet each patient where they are, they have the flexibility and expertise to help you with a wide range of needs.
Medical needs
Cancer navigators often work with patients diagnosed with specific cancers – so if you are diagnosed with lung cancer, your navigator will work with primarily lung cancer patients. Because many navigators specialize in different cancers, they can help you find resources or treatments that are unique to your condition.
Navigators also help you understand the type of cancer you have, your course of treatment and the side effects that might happen because of your medications and treatments.
“We often deal with the stigma of cancer and patients thinking their disease is terminal. And that’s very far from the case a lot of times,” says Gallant. “We are good at picking up on poor health literacy, or stress induced gaps in knowledge, and can help patients understand their diagnosis and course of treatment.”
In addition, navigators can help you manage your appointments and obtain medical equipment or other items to make sure you’re comfortable at home and during your treatments.
Financial needs
Many cancer patients and their families experience financial difficulties during their treatment because of lost wages, unemployment or medical bills. Cancer navigators can assist you with your medical or personal bills, housing, food or medication.
“Sometimes patients have to decide whether they want to pay for food that week or if they want to pay for a medication that’s being recommended to them by the physician,” says Ghilani. “Our job is to intervene so that patients don’t have to make those difficult decisions. We can help make sure that they have everything they need without sacrificing any basic part of their care.”
Social and emotional needs
A cancer diagnosis can lead to feelings of depression or social isolation. Cancer navigators can help you find the resources you need to stay positive, keep making plans and stay involved with activities and hobbies that give you respite and joy. Social workers, integrative care providers and counselors can be helpful if you’re struggling with your mental health during cancer treatment.
“We are available to help normalize what patients are feeling and what they’re experiencing,” says Ghilani. “We might not be able to change how someone feels, but we can let them know that this is all part of the process. It’s all about taking things one day at a time.”
Want to learn more about our patient navigators? Check out our survivorship and supportive care resources.
