Maine Medical Center
banner cancer institute family

Patient Navigators

Making a decision about cancer treatment isn't always easy. The days and weeks after a cancer diagnosis can be a fearful and confusing time. Understanding the medical information can feel overwhelming. Yet, it’s important that you explore all your options. At Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute, we're here to support you by providing the information you need to make an informed treatment choice.

We provide the services of a dedicated patient navigator for people diagnosed with the following cancers:

  • Breast
  • Skin: melanoma, squamous cell
  • Gynecologic: ovarian, uterine, fallopian tubes, cervical, endometrial, vaginal, vulvar, primary peritoneal
  • Genitourinary: bladder, kidney, testicular, penile, prostate
  • Thoracic: lung, esophageal
  • Upper gastrointestinal: biliary, liver, pancreas, stomach
  • Lower gastrointestinal: colorectal, appendix
  • Head and neck: larynx, tonsil, tongue, lip, nasopharynx, oropharynx

A patient navigator is an oncology nurse or social worker who specializes in working with patients diagnosed with cancer. The patient navigator is here to make sure you and your family have all the information you need to make the most informed and timely decision about your treatment plan.

The MaineHealth Cancer Care Network has patient navigators at the MMC Cancer Institute and at hospitals across MaineHealth. Learn more about our patient navigators.

At no cost to you or your family, our navigators:

  • Ease your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
  • Explain the different treatment options for your cancer based on nationally and locally endorsed treatment guidelines.
  • Discuss any clinical trials which may be available to you.
  • Schedule consultations for you and your family with appropriate specialists as needed.
  • Provide information and literature relative to your specific diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Supportive Services

We know that patients treated in a caring and supportive environment respond more successfully to treatment. This is why the Cancer Institute offers comprehensive services to help patients and their families deal with the impact of cancer.

Life Beyond Cancer

There are physical, emotional, and practical concerns associated with a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. These issues and concerns can develop while receiving active treatment, immediately following treatment, or years later.