Alberta Cancer Foundation

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Why We Need You

Cancer Patient Navigation Program

Bridging the gaps in cancer care.

No one ever plans on hearing, “You have cancer.” It’s a small phrase with a life-altering impact.

Questions about what comes next can be difficult to navigate. What are my treatment options? What happens after each phase of care? How will appointments be coordinated? What supports are available?

And for Albertans who live far from specialized care or face other barriers along the way, the Cancer Patient Navigation Program offers guidance and support when it’s needed most.

From the time a patient is referred to an oncologist, cancer patient navigators help individuals and families understand their diagnosis, prepare for treatment and connect with the services and resources they need. 

Lucy Laboucan

The program promotes equality and accessibility in health care by focusing on people-centred support for Albertans who may face greater barriers during their cancer journey, including:

Rural navigation (community and regional cancer sites).

Rural navigators support all patients with cancer who live outside of Alberta’s metropolis areas. Navigators provide guidance and act as a liaison between patients, their nearest community cancer centre, more comprehensive cancer centres with specialized oncology services, support programs, and health care providers. This gateway ensures continuity of care and close to home support whenever possible for patients living in rural areas.

Indigenous navigation.

The Cancer Patient Navigation Program supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit patients across the province, connecting them with navigators who can help them understand their treatment pathway and manage some of the barriers and challenges they may face. Navigators also act as advocates for patients and help health care professionals better understand Indigenous Peoples’ cultural ways and the historical trauma that can affect access to health services.

Advanced disease navigation.

Albertans who are diagnosed with advanced cancers often experience complex care needs before their first oncology consultation and throughout their cancer journey. Advanced disease navigators provide early guidance and support, helping individuals manage symptoms, understand what to expect and connect with palliative and supportive care services close to home.

Head and neck cancer navigation.

Albertans diagnosed with head and neck cancers often face complex treatment pathways involving multiple specialists and services. Dedicated navigation support helps ensure individuals receive timely information, coordinated care and access to the services they need throughout treatment and recovery.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) navigation.

Navigators support Albertans facing cancer between the ages of 15 and 39. For these patients, cancer can be especially difficult, affecting their education and employment, relationships with peers and loved ones, fertility and more. AYA navigators work with multidisciplinary teams to address young adults’ distinctive needs throughout each phase of their cancer journey.

Since its inception, the Cancer Patient Navigation Program has helped well over 40,000 Albertans navigate their cancer journeys.

Last year alone, more than 7,600 patients accessed navigation services, resulting in over 25,000 interactions between patients and navigators across the province. Donor support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s More Hope Movement helps provide vital funding for the Cancer Patient Navigation Program, ensuring those facing cancer across Alberta receive the support they need to navigate their cancer journeys. Help us ensure no one has to face cancer alone. 

Donate now.

Through the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s More Hope Movement, you keep programs like the Cancer Patient Navigation Program running, ensuring Albertans who may face greater barriers to care have a compassionate navigator by their side.
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Dr Omene web
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“We strive to be welcoming, as this is a place that no one wants to be. We want people to understand that we will walk with them and support them as much or little as they need. We invite them to hold us accountable for ensuring plans are followed up and come to fruition.”
Keith SiemensNavigator, Grand Prairie Cancer Centre
"“My navigator helped me approach stage 4 cancer as a chronic illness. I’ve been able to switch from looking at cancer as a death sentence to focusing on how to live the best life I can in spite of it. They really understand what matters to me and help me live the best life I can.”
EricPatient in Canmore
“My role is about being that resource and support person, especially while patients wait for appointments. It’s about alleviating stress, supporting symptom management and helping them understand what’s ahead.”
Laurie LaughrenAdvanced Disease Cancer Patient Navigator, Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat

Cancer Patient Navigation Program Contact Information:

Edmonton: 780-432-8932
Calgary: 403-476-2791

Edmonton: 780-432-8747
Calgary: 403-476-2763

Barrhead Community Cancer Centre

Barrhead, AB • 780-674-2221 Ext.2036

Bonnyville Community Cancer Centre

Bonnyville, AB • 780-826-3311 Ext. 3162

Bow Valley Community Cancer Centre

Canmore, AB • 403-493-4867

Camrose Community Cancer Centre

Camrose, AB • 780-679-2837

Central Alberta Cancer Centre

Red Deer, AB • 403-343-4526

Drayton Valley Community Cancer Centre

Drayton Valley, AB • 780-621-8087

Drumheller Community Cancer Centre

Drumheller, AB • 403-820-6011

Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre

Fort McMurray, AB • 780-788-1751

Grande Prairie Cancer Centre

Grande Prairie, AB • 780-538-7588

High River Community Cancer Centre

High River, AB • 403-652-0131

Hinton Community Cancer Centre

Hinton, AB • 780-817-5009

Jack Ady Cancer Centre

Lethbridge, AB • 403-388-6800

Lloydminster Community Cancer Centre

Lloydminster, AB • 306-820-6144

Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre

Medicine Hat, AB • 403-502-8648 Ext.1022

Peace River Community Cancer Centre

Please contact Grande Prairie Cancer Centre

To learn more about cancer support programs in your community, please contact acfonline@albertacancer.ca.
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