Health Access Network Health Access Motto
   
You Don't Have to Face  Cancer Alone
 
Tracey Cousineau - Outreach Manager
 
01/22/2008

Many patients - especially the poor and older Americans - have trouble receiving adequate cancer care because of barriers, such as the need for financial help, social support, transportation, lack of information and/or gaps in care.  These barriers may cause patients to miss follow-up appointments or delay cancer care until they are very sick.  The American Cancer Society has an answer.  The Patient Navigator Program provides guidance for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers to help them navigate the cancer experience.  There are no financial guidelines for this program.

Too often the positive gains made in finding cancer early are lost due to a lack of clinical follow-up by the patient.  Trained Patient Navigators can help link those dealing with cancer to needed programs and resources.  The Patient Navigator Program is a collaborative program between the American Cancer Society and partners such as hospitals, health centers and cancer centers in Northern and Eastern Maine.  The program also allows volunteers to easily collaborate with other members of cancer care teams, such as physicians, nurses and social workers.  Having someone to help you deal with medical, financial and social concerns can even help you conserve energy, allowing you to more strongly confront the cancer that has already changed your life.

The Patient Navigator Program is looking for additional volunteers specifically in the Lincoln, Millinocket and Houlton areas.  Patient Navigator volunteers will receive 12 hours of training at their convenience, which includes training for the Road to Recovery Program.  If you are interested in volunteering, the patient navigator program is one of many programs that is offered by the American Cancer Society.  They work in communities all across the country providing programs aimed at reducing the risk of cancer, detecting cancer as early as possible, ensuring proper treatment, and empowering people facing cancer to cope and maintain the highest possible quality of life.

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from using or volunteering for the Patient Navigator Program, please contact Michelle Perkins at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.  You may also contact Tracey Cousineau at Health Access Network, 794-6700 for more information.  You don’t have to face cancer alone.