Everett-Area Cancer Patients Can More Easily Navigate Health Care System Thanks to the American Cancer Society and A...( AstraZeneca to Provide Funding an...),Health

AstraZeneca to Provide Funding and Support for "Patient Navigator Program" Site

At Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, Washington

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca today launched a new Patient Navigator Program at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, Washington. Everett's local site is just one part of a strategic nationwide effort to significantly extend the reach of the Society's innovative Patient Navigator Program, a comprehensive initiative to assist individual cancer patients in negotiating the health care system. AstraZeneca has pledged USD$10 million to the American Cancer Society to accelerate development of at least 50 new Patient Navigator Program sites over the next five years in communities throughout the United States, including Everett.

AstraZeneca's support will allow the launch of a full-time Patient Navigator Program site at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership. According to American Cancer Society estimates, 31,080 Washingtonians will be diagnosed with cancer in 2007.

"A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for patients, their families and their caregivers," said Kathy Reiff, American Cancer Society Patient Navigator. "I'm here to provide support every step of the way, from explaining what to expect with chemotherapy, to making sure patients have transportation to and from appointments. Fighting cancer is a difficult, challenging journey; with the help of trained navigators, patients don't have to go through it alone."

The American Cancer Society's Patient Navigator Program directly connects cancer patients to local education and support specialists -- known as "navigators" -- who, through one-on-one relationships, serve as personal guides to patients as they face the psychological, emotional and financial challenges of their cancer experience. The initiative is free and confidential, and places
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