(Provincial) September 27, 2017 - September is recognized nationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2011, an average of 26 New Brunswick children and young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is the most common disease-related cause of death, second only to injury-related deaths among Canadian children.

"The diagnosis of cancer is devastating for any child to experience, and any parent to hear. In New Brunswick, we have a provincial Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator Program designed to support children and their families throughout this emotional journey," said Geri Geldart, Vice President Clinical, Horizon Health Network. "Our navigator becomes part of your support system and will guide you throughout this difficult time."

This navigator is a nurse with education and expertise in children and adolescents' cancer. The navigator works closely with your child or teen's health-care team in and outside of New Brunswick during the cancer treatment to make the journey easier.

"Cancer patients not only face physical pain, but in many cases, severe psychological distress. This program helps relieve children's emotional and physical pain with a view to facilitating and highlighting their healing," said Johanne Roy, Vice President, Clinical Services at Vitalité Health Network. "The quality of care provided to patients is, and will always remain, our highest priority," she added. 

This service is free and available through Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network from day one of the diagnosis. The navigator is here to help at any point during the course of your child's cancer care and will follow patients while supporting their families through survivorship and beyond. The navigator ensures quality of life throughout the journey starting at diagnosis through treatment, including follow-up care, and if needed palliative and end of life care. The navigator helps families access both health care and community support resources when needed.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors will have at least one chronic or long-term side effect from their cancer treatment. As more children survive cancer, the need for long-term monitoring and follow-up care will continue to grow.

More information on the Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator Program can be found online at www.HorizonNB.ca or www.VitaliteNB.ca.

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For more information:
Stephanie Neilson-Levesque
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca   
www.HorizonNB.ca