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My introduction to the world of cancer came when I was in college, via a phone call from my mother who was 3000 miles away. For weeks she had delayed calling my siblings and me to tell each of us that she had ovarian cancer, until she was having a good day when the chemotherapy was not wreaking havoc. Not wanting to worry us, she made a joke about the quickest way to lose weight was to have a hysterectomy. Then 20 years later, she told us she had early-stage breast cancer. I had matured enough and learned enough to insist that I visit to see how I could support her and my dad as they managed this second cancer. Remarkably, 10 years later at 84, my mom is still leading an engaged, vital life. And I am working in cancer advocacy as a lay navigator.

Creating patient navigation and survivorship programs to deliver SCPs can be challenging. Many clinical professionals are tasked with developing programs, but they may not possess the program-planning skills that are essential for success.

Patient navigators are widely used to guide patients through the healthcare maze, providing education, financial networking, expert clinical judgment, emotional support, timely access, and continuity of care.

Memphis, TN—One of the most popular presentations at the 4th Annual Navigation and Survivorship Conference of the Association of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) was delivered by Linda A. Lee, MD, AGAF. Dr Lee is the Clinical Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center in Baltimore.

Memphis, TN—On Sunday, November 17, 2013, a series of breakout sessions were conducted to highlight navigation challenges in the context of specific tumor types. Experts in the development of navigation programs and services for patients with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gynecologic cancer, pediatric oncology, and others shared their experiences and advice.

This issue of the Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship provides continued information and knowledge learned at the 2013 Fourth Annual Navigation and Survivorship Conference.

Navigation is now being recognized as a professional category, with acknowledgment that different types of people fulfill various aspects of the navigation role.

Merck & Co., Inc. provides a wealth of educational information and practical resources for cancer patients that you may wish to inform them about.

My experience with cancer began when I was told as a teenager that my stepbrother had osteosarcoma.

Memphis, TN—The final address of the Fourth Annual Conference of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) in Memphis, Tennessee, was delivered by Deforia Lane, PhD, MT-BC. Dr Lane is the Associate Director of the Seidman Cancer Center, and Director of Music Therapy at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Seidman Cancer Center, and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. She is also an opera singer and breast cancer survivor.