Colorectal Cancer Navigator Holly Cummins RN Role of

Colorectal Cancer Navigator Holly Cummins, RN

Role of the Navigator • Coordinate the overall care for patients with cancer and prevent them from falling through the cracks • Timely access to care and ensure seamless transitions • Anticipate potential gaps or care issues & promptly intervene to ensure optimal patient experience • • • Act as point person for multifacets of care Facilitate communication and collaboration Coordinate orders for Molecular testing Education about diagnosis, treatment options and care plan Identify and resolve barriers Provide survivorship care plans

Timely Access to Care & Seamless Transitions • • GI Doctors Oncologists Radiation Surgeons Imaging Pre-testing Labs

Facilitate Communication & Collaboration • Patients have reported difficulty in understanding the medical jargon that providers frequently use • Write notes for patients • Make calendars for them

Education • Diagnosis • • Blood tests (tumor markers) Biopsy Digital Rectal Exam Imaging • CT • MRI • PET scan • Staging • Treatment options • Care plan

Staging • TNM Staging • T = Tumor Size • N = Lymph Node Involvement • M = Metastasis

Treatment Options • • • Neoadjuvant Adjuvant Surgery – resection with testing of at least 12 lymph nodes Chemotherapy – FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, 5 -FU Radiation Immunotherapy/Target therapies • Molecular testing

Identify & Resolve Barriers • • Fear/Mistrust Transportation Insurance Financial

Survivorship Care Plans L CO • Summary of care • Surveillance • History & Physical • Coloscopy • CEA • CT Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis • PET scan • Different intervals for different time frames • Examples – every 3 -6 months for 2 years; every 6 months for total of 5 years • Delivered at completion of treatment • Summary available for future healthcare providers ON

QUESTIONS?