Cancer Care Nova Scotia is working to enhance and improve cancer services for all Nova Scotians. Direct services to cancer patients are provided by the province's District Health Authorities.

Through the Cancer Patient Family Network we are providing a formal communication channel for cancer patients, survivors and family members. If you are interested in learning more about the Network, contact Emmie Luther-Hiltz, Coordinator, Cancer Patient Family Network at ccns.nshealth.ca.  

Patient Navigation is another way we are helping to improve the cancer system for patients and families. Patient Navigation, a service to help guide cancer patients and their families through the cancer system, is available in five health districts: South West Health, Pictou County Health, Annapolis Valley Health, South Shore Health and Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority.

We are here to help.

Learning you have cancer can be a very fearful time. You are given a lot of new information from which you must

•learn about cancer,
•consider your treatment options,
•make many decisions,
•and arrange for things such as medical care, transportation and child care.

You may also have more expenses to deal with as a result of your cancer. A Cancer Patient Navigator can help with these issues.

You are unique and so are your needs.

Each cancer patient has different needs and will deal with cancer in different ways. You may speak a different language, or have cultural beliefs that will affect your decisions. You may have many family responsibilities to juggle. Your ability to cope with the diagnosis and treatment will be different based on the support system you have.

The Cancer Patient Navigator can help you cope with your various needs. This service is free. Find out more about how a Patient Navigator can help you.

There are Cancer Patients Navigators in seven of the nine health districts*. 

*Please note that Capital Health (District 9) and the Cape Breton District Health Authority (District 8) do not have community cancer navigators.

Your family doctor, cancer specialist, or any health professional can refer you to
a Cancer Patient Navigator, or you can contact a navigator directly from your home community by calling toll-free at 1-866-524-1234.

For more information about Cancer Patient Navigation please contact:
Sandra Cook
Patient Navigation Project Manager
Phone: (902) 473-3675
Email: ccns.nshealth.ca