Imagine being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, having no insurance, earning just above minimum wage, and speaking limited English—that’s the reality for many of the uninsured women we diagnose with breast cancer. Often unfamiliar with traditional medicine, they rely on our patient navigators as lifelines throughout their care. Since 1999, The Rose’s patient navigation program, the first of its kind in greater Houston, has provided compassionate support, helping over 150 uninsured women each year. While our program has been replicated nationwide, our patients simply value the unmatched care they receive.
Overview:
- Certified lay and nurse navigators.
- Unique patient tracking system.
- Comprehensive support from diagnosis to treatment completion.
How Our Navigators Help
From the moment a woman receives her diagnosis, her patient navigator is by her side, guiding her swiftly into treatment by assisting with the application process for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program, which requires a confirmed diagnosis along with meeting financial and residency criteria. Once treatment is arranged, navigators provide thorough education about the diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and how to prepare her support system. They often attend initial consultations to ensure understanding and help patients ask the right questions.
Overview:
- Fast-tracking treatment through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program.
- Educating the patient about their diagnosis and treatment options.
- Attending medical consultations to ensure understanding and provide emotional support.
- Continuous support through the entirety of treatment, sometimes lasting up to five years.
A Lifelong Partner in Care
Patient navigation continues until treatment is complete, which for some patients includes follow-up care for up to five years. Our navigators, Elizabeth, Sally, and Laura, assist with a range of services beyond medical care, such as financial aid, transportation, childcare, and access to food pantries, addressing the many needs of women battling cancer. Patients describe their navigators as trusted friends who stand by them throughout their journey, celebrating every milestone of survival together.
“Our navigators have held hundreds of hands, answered thousands of questions, and helped even the youngest child understand what is happening to Mommy.”
