Whether it’s through work, social circles, acquaintances, or family, it is safe to say we all know (or know of) at least one person who is struggling or has struggled with cancer. Although the medical industry has made many breakthrough discoveries with life-saving treatments and medications, and the chances for survival have increased, it does not lessen the heartache, stress or trauma a cancer patient (or their families) have to undergo.

This CNN article discusses Patient Navigation Programs and how they are “the result of the medical community’s new emphasis on patient-centered care, says Mandi Pratt, associate director of community programs at George Washington University’s Cancer Institute.” After a cancer diagnosis (or any diagnosis for that matter), often times the patient and family are in such shock while in front of their doctor, their questions and frustrations don’t hit them until after their appointment…when they are home…alone…scared. Patient Navigation Programs are there for the patient 24/7 to answer questions that randomly come up or even just to talk at 2 a.m.

Paraphrasing this article does not do it justice. Please read Helping Patients Navigate the Health Care System for yourself. Who knows….you may need the info down the road for a loved one…or even yourself.