Position Statements
Role of the Oncology Nurse Navigator Throughout the Cancer Trajectory
Navigation in oncology has demonstrated benefits for people at risk for or diagnosed with cancer, such as shorter time to diagnosis and treatment, increased patient and caregiver knowledge, better adherence to care, and improved quality of life. In addition, benefits to healthcare institutions, such as cost reductions through reduced rates of emergency department visits and readmission and decreased outmigration of newly diagnosed patients, are being identified. The goal of navigation is to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality by eliminating barriers to timely access to cancer care, which may be financial, psychological, logistic, or related to communication or the healthcare delivery system.