Posted on Wednesday March 05, 2014
DURHAM - - March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre has a new program that links people who have just been diagnosed with colorectal cancer with a nurse navigator to follow and help guide them through their ongoing investigations and transition to treatment.
For people being referred to a general surgeon at any Lakeridge Health site for colorectal cancer, enrollment in the Colorectal Diagnostic Assessment Program is now available for these patients.
Once in the program, a person is assigned to a nurse navigator who plays a key role in ensuring care is coordinated and timely every step of the way – from the time a person is referred to the program to when they begin treatment. The nurse navigator is also available to provide ongoing education, support and answer any questions when needed.
“We understand that being diagnosed with cancer can be extremely overwhelming. We want the folks coming through our doors to know that they’re not alone. There’s an entire team working to get them better. At the centre of that team is the nurse navigator making sure all the pieces fit together for our patients,” says Kevin Empey, Lakeridge Health President and CEO.
This is the fourth Diagnostic Assessment Program at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre. Nurse navigators also help coordinate care for people undergoing investigation for breast, lung and prostate cancer. The feedback has been that people appreciate having one single point of contact for all of their care needs. Watch our “Meet Our Nurse Navigators” video to hear more.
The Colorectal Diagnostic Assessment Program accepts referrals for people with confirmed colorectal cancer and highly suspicious for colorectal cancer. For more information, contact the nurse navigator at 905-576-8711, extension 2340.
Quick Facts:
- Colorectal cancer is a common form of cancer that affects 1 in 14 men and 1 in 15 women. But when caught early enough, there is a 90% chance of being cured.
- People who are between the ages of 50 and 74 are recommended to do a Fecal Occult Blood Test (stool test) every two years to screen for colorectal cancer. To learn more, visit Cancer Care Ontario’s website.
