Patient Navigation Impact Program Committed to Providing Comprehensive Support & Guidance to Breast and GYN Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones
Patient Navigation Impact Program Committed to Providing Comprehensive Support & Guidance to Breast and GYN Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones
History of Patient Navigation
Source: Tang & Ghali (2021), Fobair et al. (2009). Fiani et al. (2022). North (2013) . Adapted from slides in GW Patient Navigation Training Lession 3: What is Patient Navigation (2025)
History of Patient Navigation
2021 Conference Out of the Getting Our Fair: SHARE 2021 Conference to End Health Disparities came four big ideas with a plan to build workstreams around each that will ultimately lead to implementing actionable solutions.
Those four big ideas coming out of the conference were: •
Public Policy
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Health Care System Change
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Health System Change
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PATIENT NAVIGATION
SHARE Cancer Support Patient Navigation Program
We provide individualized, one-on-one support to individuals impacted by breast/chest and gynecologic cancers. Our role is to remove barriers that interfere with care, understanding, and quality of life — so patients can focus on healing.
Our bilingual (Eng./Spa.) certified patient and financial navigator works alongside providers, social workers, and community partners to support patients and caregivers affected by breast/chest and gynecologic cancers.
Patient Navigation Program- How referrals work •
Once a person emails us (self-referral) or is referred, we reach out within 24– 48 hours, and whenever possible, contact them within hours. We conduct an initial assessment to understand their needs, priorities, and concerns.
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We complete the NCCN Distress Scale, which helps identify physical emotional, social, practical, and spiritual concerns that may be affecting care.
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From there, we provide tailored interventions and resources, actively assisting with applications, problemsolving barriers, and communicating directly with medical providers and community organizations.
patientnavigation@sharecancersupport.org
The Impact of Navigation • • • •
70% of studies reported a significant reduction in time to treatment initiation for patients receiving navigation services. Springer2024 71% of studies showed a significant improvement in treatment adherence among patients with navigation support. Springer2024 Patients receiving navigation are more likely to complete their course of treatment and report better understanding of their condition and treatment process. President's Cancer Panel 2024 Financial strain remains the #1 unmet need for people with breast cancer (2025). Costs tied to medical bills, housing, food, and transportation often feel like another full-time job. Financial stress can overshadow even the best medical care, reinforcing why navigation, financial support, and advocacy are not optional, but essential. Financial strain tops unmet need, 2025 LBBC
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE ●Patients Served ○2024- 132 ○2025- 305 – more than doubled
●Funds ○2024- $66,640 ○2025- $209,128.71 – over 3x increase
●30 Sources of referral ●States Served 30 & PR (since inception 32 & PR)
States Served: 30 & PR (since inception 32 & PR)
HIGHLIGHTS ● 15.7% increase in gynecologic oncology referrals ● 131% overall referral growth ● 214% growth in financial interventions, reflecting expanded reach and effectiveness in addressing ● ● ● ●
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financial toxicity 96 educational events/ 10 speaking engagements (national & professional audiences) 3 Interns supporting PN Program Poster presentation/Conference presentation with CancerCare: “The Essential Role of Nonprofit Oncology Patient Navigation” – efforts leading the way of validating the role of nonprofit in patient navigation and financial navigation nationally Showcase SHARE PN Program at ACS NNRT National Meeting, attended by Dr. Jill Biden and ACS Breast Roundtable, highlighting national visibility and policy impact. Launch of the SHARE Cancer Support Navigation Curriculum Toolkit, providing an evidence-based, equity-centered framework for nonprofit and community oncology navigation programs
Introducing a Groundbreaking Resource: SHARE Cancer Support Navigation Curriculum Toolkit Content Includes, Getting Started: Selecting the Right Model Core Competencies Navigation Orientation National Oncology Standards Addressing Barriers, Providing Interventions, and Follow-Up Documentation, Reporting, Metrics, and Performance Improvement Roles of Support Staff in Cancer Centers, Resources, and National Standards Reimbursement for Navigation Services Utilizing Technology
Quotes “SHARE is an invaluable resource when the ‘surprise’ becomes yours— and Zarek has been like my own guardian angel. -Anonymous.
“‘My navigators helped me breathe again.” -J.Z. “The dedication, love, and commitment of SHARE’s navigators made all the difference. Sandra and Zarek supported me with true human quality.” -D.G.
Through SHARE’s patient navigation program, my patients have received financial assistance, including meal programs, insurance, coverage for treatment, legal services, and connections to support groups. This program has been essential in promoting equity, ensuring that those most vulnerable are not left behind in their care journey. -Dr. Ashley Tsang, MD, FACS, Mount Sinai
We could not do this without the support, guidance, and encouragement of our SHARE board, leadership and colleagues.
Tricia Strusowski MS
Sandra Morales, OPN-CG Zarek Mena, OPN-CG
CEO and co-founder of TurnKey Oncology
Patient Navigator SHARE Cancer Support
Financial Navigator SHARE Cancer Support
patientnavigation@sharecancersupport.org