Cancer care coordination
Your cancer care coordinator is a registered nurse with experience in oncology, the medical and nursing specialty focused on cancer care. Cancer care coordinators are also sometimes called care navigators or nurse navigators.
The coordinator works closely with you, your doctors and other care team members. Your coordinator helps you learn about and understand your diagnosis and treatment options while also coordinating all the steps needed to make sure you receive the best possible care.
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What it is
Cancer care coordinators are registered nurses with special knowledge about cancer, its treatment and how it affects people and families.
A cancer care coordinator:
- supports and guides you through every step of cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care
- helps you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and care plan
- responds to your questions and seeks information from other care team members when needed
- helps you address any symptoms or side effects you experience when you are home
- coordinates the flow of information among all of your doctors and other care team members
- helps you learn about and access services such as integrative therapies through the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing, and rehabilitation services through the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
- helps you learn about and access additional resources like spiritual care, cosmetic surgery services, end of life care, family counseling, palliative care, psychology services, support groups and more
Good to know
We have cancer care coordinators at locations throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Each has a direct telephone number and is just a phone call away.
Connie Brenna
Melissa Clarkson
Melinda Harrington
Andrelle Jones
Mara Pearl
Laurie St. Martin
Source: Allina Health Cancer Care
Reviewed by: Allina Health Cancer Care
First published: 6/4/2019
Last reviewed: 6/4/2019