Cancer Navigation and Survivorship Network

Welcome to the Cancer Navigation and Survivorship Network (CaNSuN). CaNSuN is a resource hub for patient navigation in Pennsylvania.  As a patient navigator (lay or professional), community health worker, promotora, social worker or case manager, you play an important role helping patients identify and overcome barriers to cancer prevention, screening and survivorship.  CaNSuN is here to help make your work easier and more effective

Helping Navigators Navigate

CaNSuN’s mission is to connect, educate and share best practices among patient navigators in Pennsylvania so that together we can successfully reduce barriers and increase access to cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship services. In brief, we want to “help navigators navigate.” The purpose of the network is to:

  • Be a source of navigation-related materials and tools.
  • Share best practice strategies for identifying and removing barriers to cancer screening and care
  • Foster networking and communication among navigators
  • Promote professional development opportunities
  • Identify and collaborate on research projects to improve patient outcomes
  • Advocate for role of navigation within the healthcare system and in the community

 

Tools, Community, and Research

CaNSuN provides various navigation resources and services, including:

  • A monthly e-newsletter that provides navigation-related news, articles, and updates on upcoming network meetings and events. Subscribe now.
  • Regular network meetings – Currently virtual meetings to share navigator expertise and create space for idea sharing and relationship building.
  • Professional development trainings and workshops provided by experts.
  • A resource guide including information on local transportation, emergency housing, financial help and healthcare assistance
  • Links to evidence-based interventions as well as sources of data that may be used in community assessments and applications for funding

Learn more about Patient Navigation

The Penn State Cancer Institute’s Navigation Model

Patient navigation is when someone – a patient navigator – guides patients at risk for or suspected to have cancer around barriers in the cancer-care system to help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about patient navigation in cancer care.