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Cancer Patient Navigation Grants

Patient navigation is a new idea in the cancer world. Patient navigators work directly with patients and are available to schedule appointments, coordinate medical care professionals and arrange childcare. They also can arrange translation, transportation and financial services. Navigators further assist patients by providing access to other services and professionals the individual patient needs. In short, it is the navigator's job to help the cancer patient overcome any barrier to timely care. Patient navigation improves outcomes in cancer patients and increases efficiency within the field.

  1. Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention

    • In June 2007, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, working with a grant from the Amgen Foundation, announced the opening of the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Training Institute. The institute provides a two and a half day training seminar to those interested in pursuing a career in patient navigation, as well as hospital administrators who are developing patient navigation programs. It is the only institute led by a founder in the field.

    George Washington Cancer Institute

    • In September 2010, the George Washington Cancer Institute (GWCI) received a $2.4 million grant from the D.C. Cancer Consortium. The grant ensures the implementation of a city-wide Washington D.C. cancer care network. This enables patients to access navigation services to ensure that the diagnostic and treatment phases are coordinated among all caregivers. Patients are provided timely access to all aspects of care. This effort is further aided by a $1.2 million grant from the Pfizer Foundation.

    National Cancer Institute

    • In October 2005, the National Cancer Institute announced plans to grant $25 million over five years to various research institutes. The funds are dedicated to the development of the Patient Navigator Research Program. The program works to correct health care inequalities and ensure that patients receive information about advancements in technology and medicine. The research institutes test and evaluate patient navigation programs to determine the most appropriate methods.

    Patient Grants

    • In August 2010, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation granted Maui County cancer patients and survivors $86,000. Along with providing rural women faster access to breast cancer screening, including a quicker and more thorough explanation of results, the grant also provides support services, travel reimbursement and navigation specialists. The grant is aimed at the inequality in treatment that arises from the island's isolation, insufficient health care resources and limited cancer knowledge.

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