ACS Establishes First Patient Navigator Program in Mississippi

In August, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Cancer Institute became the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) first Patient Navigator Program in the state, and the forty-second one nationwide that’s part of a strategic effort across the country to significantly extend the reach of this innovative program and to help individual cancer patients negotiate the labyrinth healthcare system. (See related story below.)

“A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for patients, their families and their caregivers,” said Angel Strange, quality of life director for the ACS Mid-South Division. “Our Patient Navigator Program helps patients focus on getting well by providing support every step of the way, from explaining what to expect during treatment, to making sure patients have transportation to and from appointments. Fighting cancer is a difficult, challenging journey, yet with the help of trained American Cancer Society patient navigators, people don’t have to go through it alone.”

The ACS Patient Navigator Program directly connects patients to a cancer education and support specialist–known as a “patient navigator”–who, through one-on-one relationships, serves as a personal guide to patients and caregivers as they face the psychosocial, emotional and financial challenges that cancer can bring. The service is free and confidential, and places an emphasis on assisting the medically underserved.

The ACS estimates that nearly 15,000 Mississippians will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The UMMC program is part of a $10 million pledge by AstraZeneca to the ACS to accelerate development of at least 50 new Patient Navigator Program sites over a five-year period (2007 to 2011) in communities throughout the United States. The ACS Patient Navigator Program was formally launched in 2005, in collaboration with community-based hospitals and cancer centers. More than 130 ACS Patient Navigator Program sites are located across the United States.

“The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program at UMMC will enable us to assist patients with personalized community resources and support,” said Beth Feisel, UMMC’s patient navigator, who received national-level training through the ACS in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute Patient Navigation Research Program, which will be complemented by localized training and opportunities for ongoing education.

ACS patient navigators tailor each patient experience by connecting caregivers with the most appropriate programs and services to boost the individual’s access to healthcare and to expedite their journey to wellness throughout the disease continuum–from the time of diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. The navigators are also able to increase treatment compliance and follow-up care.

“This program proactively reaches patients who are most in need of specialized services and support,” said Feisel, “providing the critical link to local resources that will improve their outcomes and quality of life."

Related Story

Overcoming Obstacles to Colon Cancer Treatment in Mississippi

Compared to other states, Mississippi has seen lean success in combating colon cancer, primarily due to poor awareness about the disease, less access to primary care providers and the cost of care in a low-income state, according to Christopher Lahr, MD, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) associate professor of surgery, and the state’s only colorectal surgeon.

A report released this summer by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that Mississippi was the only state with no change in colon cancer deaths between 2003 and 2007.

“Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that’s almost preventable because the screening is so effective,” said Lahr. “If you catch it in the earliest stages, 95 percent of cases can be successfully treated. Here in Mississippi, we see a much larger number of patients presenting in the later stages.”

Colon cancer may be genetic, Lahr said, with approximately one of five cases linked to heredity. Furthermore, it’s a disease that increases in likelihood with age. People over 50 should get screened more often, the CDC said.

“Colon cancers are slow-growing,” Lahr said. “So if we catch it early we can remove them without requiring chemotherapy.”

Other Patient Navigation Programs

Several Mississippi hospitals have Patient Navigation Programs certified by various accrediting bodies. St. Dominic has nurse navigators who ensure continuity of care for oncology patients in radiation and medical oncology. More specifically, St. Dominic’s Oncology Navigators are nurses who guide patients and their loved ones through the healthcare journey, help complete all necessary forms, refer patients to healthcare services for further diagnosis and treatment, secure local resources and support services, and answers questions while also providing additional information for patients.

At Baptist Breast Health Center, Adrienne Smith Russell, RN, quickly becomes a cancer patients’ new best friend as a Certified Breast Health Navigator. She guides patients on every aspect of their journey from screening mammogram to further treatment.

Because those recently diagnosed with breast diseases and cancer benefit receive increased concern and education. She helps to dispel fear, directs patients pertaining to a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Cancer Resource Centers are intended for all patients, and their caregivers, families, and friends.

“I truly enjoy being able to guide women to resources and educate about multiple aspects of their care,” said Russell, a Certified Breast Patient Navigator in both imaging and cancer through the National Consortium of Breast Centers. “I’m able to provide education about benign and malignant breast diseases, treatments and side effects of treatment, and to follow up with patients throughout biopsy or diagnostic procedures. I’m also able to assess the educational, physical, psychological and social needs of the patient and family, and have the ability to make appropriate referrals for further assessment when needed. Very importantly, I simply support patients emotionally.”

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