Brain tumor navigators serve as a resource for patients who have been diagnosed with a malignant or metastatic brain tumor. Brain navigators help to support and guide patients and their families through the cancer journey and complex decision-making process.

Breast navigators personally guide each breast cancer patient through their journey. Using local tools and resources, the breast navigator helps patients by assisting them with their physical, psychological and social needs. They also work collaboratively with patients, physicians, and other care providers to schedule appointments and plan for imaging, surgery and other treatments and procedures.

Gastrointestinal oncology nurse navigators are a resource for patients diagnosed with cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes esophageal, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, rectum and anus. These navigators coordinate care with the GI physicians and other care providers to help patients on their cancer journey.

Gynecologic oncology nurse navigators assist women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer (ovarian, uterine, cervical, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, sarcomas, vulvar and vaginal cancers). These navigators work with women from the time they are newly diagnosed, after surgery, through active treatment and surveillance into survivorship.

Leukemia/lymphoma navigators are a resource for patients diagnosed with blood cancers – primarily acute leukemia and lymphoma – who are admitted to inpatient units for treatment. Patients with acute leukemia stay for extended periods of time for induction, re-induction or consolidation chemotherapy. The leukemia/lymphoma navigator helps patients and families better understand the disease and how it will be managed during their hospital stay. They can provide guidance on treatment decisions, side-effect management and barriers to care (such as financial, emotional, spiritual and family or home-related).

Lung navigators help to alleviate the stress of the cancer journey for lung cancer patients. In addition to serving as a resource for patients, the navigator helps with scheduling and follow-up of patients seeking low dose CT lung screening. These navigators also coordinate lung cancer patient care with the thoracic physicians on the medical staff and other care providers.

Prostate navigators offer education, support and resources for prostate cancer patients and their loved ones in all phases of survivorship. Whether meeting with a group of survivors or providing one-on-one consultation, prostate navigators help survivors understand the side effects and long-term implications of prostate cancer treatments.

Cancer care coordinators help reduce the time patients and physicians spend making appointments and coordinating care. The care coordinator’s goal is to reduce stress so patients can focus on healing and quality of life. Coordinators set up direct admissions to the hospital and various interventional radiology procedures (including port-a-cath placements, CT-guided biopsies and other complex procedures), makes sure patients know where and when to check-in and explains pre-procedure instructions. Care coordinators can also assist with scheduling patients at other Texas Health facilities if needed.