FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2004
Contact: Joe Raffa, Ed.D. (619) 326-1710

THOUSANDS CLICKING ONTO COUNTY’S CANCER WEBSITE FOR HELP
Cancer Navigator making a difference for San Diego County cancer patients

SAN DIEGO - As U.S. cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong powered across the finish line of the Tour de France in first place for a record sixth time, San Diego County’s Cancer Navigator Website also is powering along, helping thousands of cancer patients and their families learn more about treatment options and other cancer-related needs.

In just five short months, the Web-based system has helped more than 5,000 San Diegans navigate the cancer care system.

“The Cancer Navigator is fulfilling the vision of bringing information together for San Diegans to help them find the resources they need,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob who officiated at the Navigator’s ribbon-cutting, along with Supervisor Ron Roberts in February 2004.

Together the two Supervisors envisioned using tobacco-settlement dollars to design a Web-based clearinghouse of information to help San Diegans cope with cancer. “San Diegans now have a valuable tool that will help them avoid exhaustive searches, as well as a local call center to match them to services,” said Supervisor Roberts.

The Cancer Navigator offers services for cancer patients, family members, caregivers, physicians, nurses and health care providers by linking them to local and national cancer resources and following up to ensure access to care.

The Cancer Navigator has proven to be an efficient means to provide information to cancer patients locally. One patient who used the Cancer Navigator found clinical trials available in San Diego and avoided traveling to Texas for treatment that would have cost $22,000.

The Navigator Web site can be accessed at www.cancernavigator.org and the call center can be reached at (866) 324-2628 toll free.