Cancer Navigation

No matter where someone lives in our province, CancerCare Manitoba offers patients and their family members the guidance and support they need.

In collaboration with its partners, CancerCare Manitoba has established Cancer Navigation Services, a free resource of health professionals available to assist people living in five regional health authorities: Interlake Eastern, Northern, Prairie Mountain, Southern and Winnipeg.

Each regional cancer program “hub” has a Navigation team that includes Nurse Navigators, Psychosocial Oncology Clinicians and Community Engagement Liaisons.

• Nurse Navigators are Registered Nurses with specialized training in cancer care. Working closely with a patient’s health-care team, the Nurse Navigator offers patients and their family members information, guidance and support from the time of a clinical suspicion of cancer through the diagnostic period and treatment. They help patients understand their diagnosis and care plan and can co-ordinate and prepare patients for tests and appointments.
• Psychosocial Oncology Clinicians are experienced counsellors available to help patients and their family members cope with the range of emotions and adjustments that come with a diagnosis of cancer. They can assist with practical issues such as work, finances and transportation, as well as provide guidance to patients about talking with children, family members and friends about their illness.
• Each Region has a Community Engagement Liaison who offers information about cancer supports and services. The Liaison develops and shares culturally responsive information and works with communities to increase knowledge about cancer prevention and early detection.