Network: December 2008
Patient Navigators
Guiding Prostate Cancer Patient Through Treatment Process
Prior to 2003, cancer was already an unwelcome guest in Bill Still’s home. His mother died of Hodgkin’s disease at age 66 and his father lost a battle with prostate cancer in his late 70s. So when the 61-year-old Hampton resident and father of four was faced with his own diagnosis of prostate cancer, his mind raced and fear crept in. He couldn’t help but think: Is this it?
Easing the Cancer Burden
With more than 30 years experience in nursing (20 years in oncology nursing), Helen Mansfield, RN, OCN, has served in the role of a Patient Navigator at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital since 1997. Mansfield explains how what she does on a daily basis to help cancer patients navigate the healthcare system makes a difference.