More than 150,000 people with cancer come to a Mayo Clinic site annually. Patients benefit from the knowledge and extensive experience of Mayo Clinic specialists and integrated approach to treating each individual. Reliable, up-to-date education is central to a patient’s cancer care plan. Mayo Clinic provides information and resources to support patients during diagnosis, treatment and life after treatment. Knowledge empowers people to be active partners in their health care.

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Patient Navigation

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Patient Navigators are available to provide nonclinical support to all cancer patients and their families such as assisting with access to cancer information, resources to help meet day-to-day needs, and emotional support. Patient Navigators are active members of your healthcare team, assessing and addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for future or ongoing support. This service is free to Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center patients and families at any of our Mayo Clinic locations.

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center has both general Patient Navigators who assist all patients and disease groups as well as Patient Navigators who serve specific cultural patient populations. Currently we have navigators on staff serving these communities: Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and African Descent. These populations were identified as Mayo Clinic strives to recognize the unique challenges and barriers some of our patients and their families face. As these needs are being recognized, we look forward to expanding the Patient Navigation program to ensure patients coming through the doors of Mayo Clinic can receive the timely care they need.

Patient Navigators are here to serve all patients regardless of demographics. You can connect with your local Patient Navigator team by using the contact information below.

Rochester, Minnesota: cecptnavigator@mayo.edu Phone: 1-507-266-9288
Phoenix, Arizona: ARZCECPTNavigator@mayo.edu Phone: 1-480-342-4229
Jacksonville, FL: FLACECPTNavigator@mayo.edu Phone: 1-904-956-8358

Patient Navigators work very closely with the social work team and are able to assist patients and caregivers with the following needs:

Emotional Support: Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be exhausting and very stressful for patients, caregivers, and families. Patient Navigators are here to listen to concerns; help address needs and suggest referrals if needed. They can connect individuals with appropriate and much needed resources.
Employment Concerns: Often times, employment for the patient or the caregiver is impacted by a cancer diagnosis, and the need arises for additional time away or special accommodations during treatment. Patient Navigators can help think through various options that one might consider (FMLA, disability options, work accommodations).
Financial assistance options: The financial difficulties associated with a cancer diagnosis may cause anxiety and stress which can complicate ones journey. A patient navigator will identify resources that are specific to the individual situation and assist with the application process.
- Financial Toxicity and Cancer: This series of presentations addresses the many factors that can contribute to financial toxicity, identifies strategies to manage debt, offers tips for reducing financial burden, and outlines financial resources that can help.
Insurance concerns: Insurance can be very confusing! Many have questions about their medical insurance, co-pays, or cancer policies and patient navigators are here to help guide.
Local Community resources: Many people are not familiar with the community options available during this time of need. These programs are not limited to but might include such things as, rides for errands, meal delivery, visiting companions, and wellness community offerings.
Lodging options: There are lodging programs that are specifically available to cancer patients and their caregivers. The options vary depending on length of stay and type of treatment, patient navigators will refer to appropriate options.
Navigating: It can be overwhelming finding your way around our cancer centers. Patient Navigators can assist with questions regarding onsite parking options, building and appointment locations as well as proximity to lodging accommodations, and other things to consider while at Mayo Clinic for your cancer care.
Transportation options: There could be various transportation options for you to consider depending on the distance and frequency you need to travel for your cancer care. These options include both ground an air.
Caregiver Support:
- Cancer Care: Offers many different ways to connect with other caregivers whether it's online or over the phone.
- Imerman Angels: Offers a 1:1 mentoring approach to connect caregivers across the country.
- Mayo Clinic Connect has an active caregiver group. Join their conversation!
- Read this article to learn more about what Patient Navigators do.