Information for Patients
Support Services for Young Adult Patients
Ulman Cancer Fund Patient Navigator Helps Young Adults Cope with Cancer
Young adults being treated for cancer at UMGCC now have access to a very special resource -- another young adult who understands the complex issues that young people with cancer face.
Within days of their diagnosis, these patients are connected with UMGCC's young adult patient navigator, Shanika Craig, thanks to a partnership between the cancer center and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UFC).
"This program matches young adults with another young person who can relate to the special concerns of young people who are dealing with cancer -- things like independence, having to interrupt their education or career, dating, fertility and a whole range of emotional issues," says Shanika.
In her role as the UCF navigator, Shanika is dedicated to providing the support services to help young adults take charge of their cancer experience. She works in conjunction with the UMGCC's multi-disciplinary treatment teams, social work staff and other care providers to improve the ability of young adults to manage their own cancer experiences and long-term cancer survival.
The program is designed to serve patients ages 18-40 in any phase of their cancer treatment and survivorship by providing:
- access to support resources tailored specifically to young adults;
- increased knowledge of their disease, treatment options and lifelong implications of treatment choices; and
- effective communication with their medical care team.
For more information about young adult patient navigator services, please contact Shanika Craig at 410-328-6951.
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This page was last updated on: May 1, 2008.
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