Patient Advocacy

A personal approach to cancer care

Cancer affects not only the body, but a patient's emotional and mental health as well. Cancer also can have profound effects on a patient's caregivers, family and friends.

At the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center, we have a compassionate patient navigator and social worker who walk with you and your loved ones as you navigate a process that can seem overwhelming. They are shoulders to lean on and advocates who help streamline appointments and tests.

While each has separate responsibilities, the patient navigator and social worker work together to connect you to resources and offer support.

Whatever you need, they are here for you.

Social Worker

Our full-time, licensed social worker at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center is available to provide emotional, spiritual and practical support for you and your family while you undergo cancer treatment.

The social worker's focus is to help you find the best way to cope with the issues you and your family face, connect you to local and national resources and conduct psychosocial assessments. You can visit our social worker once or schedule regular appointments.

UTMC's social worker can help you:

• Assess your psychological and social needs and help you find treatment or interventions if necessary
• Apply for programs that offer financial and prescription assistance
• Apply for programs that provide transportation to and from treatments
• Arrange home health care, palliative care, hospice care and medical equipment
• Obtain information about support groups and counseling
• Complete advanced directives such as a living will and power of attorney
• Reduce stress through relaxation skills
• Communicate with your health care team and network of family and friends
• Learn how cancer effects intimacy, identity issues and your relationship with your body
• Live beyond the cancer diagnosis and address common survivorship concerns

To speak with our social worker, call 419.383.6431, or talk with your care team.

Patient Navigator

Our patient navigator works closely with patients to coordinate their care within the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. This can be an especially valuable resource for those who don't have a lot of family support.

The navigator will guide you through the healthcare system and act as a liaison between various departments. Our navigator is your go-to resource for all things cancer-related.

Our patient navigator can:

• Educate about available care options
• Explain what to expect during future encounters
• Help coordinate appointments and referrals for medical services
• Track your progress
• Resolve problems
• Ensure communication among your care providers — even if they are from a different health system
• Find the answers to your questions

When you have completed cancer treatment, your patient navigator also will assist with survivorship planning. This includes helping you transition back to the care of your primary care provider and connecting you to community organizations that will aid in your recovery.