Getting a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. For many Black patients, it’s not just the disease they’re up against—it’s also the challenge of being heard and taken seriously in the healthcare system.
In addition to support from partners, family, and friends, another advocate for Black cancer patients is the patient navigator. These trained professionals—often nurses, social workers, or community health workers—help guide patients through the healthcare maze.
Black Americans face higher cancer mortality rates and are underrepresented in clinical trials, mainly due to systemic barriers and a long history of medical mistreatment. Patient navigators are positioned to help bridge those gaps.
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In this article, we’ll explore what patient navigators do, why they’re essential for Black cancer patients, and how they’re helping people access better care and clinical trials.
What Is a Patient Navigator?
“A patient navigator is someone who guides patients through the confusing process of healthcare,” says Maria Ximena Graber Vascones, MD, CPI, CCRP, QM-IAOCR, a physician-investigator, clinical research leader, and CEO at AGA Clinical Trials. “When it comes to cancer care and clinical trials, that means helping patients understand their diagnosis, schedule appointments, manage insurance or transportation issues, and get connected to the right specialists or trial teams.”
Here are some typical responsibilities of a patient navigator:
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- Setting up doctors’ appointments and organizing medical records
- Communicating with healthcare providers on the patient’s behalf
- Connecting patients with financial, legal, and social support
- Educating patients on preventative care, screening, and tests
- Explaining medical conditions and treatment options
- Sharing information about clinical trials that patients may be eligible for
Navigators may come from diverse professional backgrounds, but they all share a common goal: prioritizing the patient’s needs.
RELATED: Is Money the Key to Black Participation in Clinical Trials?
Why Patient Navigators Matter—Especially for Black Cancer Patients
Several disparities exist for Black people seeking care, such as delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialty care, and dismissive treatment from providers. Patient navigators can help overcome these barriers.
“This relationship provides a unique position to identify personal barriers and obstacles the patient faces,” says Cyndi Lemery, MSN, RN, OCN, Clinical Director for GO2 for Lung Cancer. “Understanding these barriers at this level enables the navigator to develop quality, case-based solutions.”
A cancer diagnosis can trigger a wave of intense emotions—fear, anxiety, grief, and even depression. For Black patients, this is often compounded by a distrust for the healthcare system, previous experiences with discrimination or medical gaslighting, and a lack of culturally competent care.
On top of the emotional weight, many cancer treatments—particularly chemotherapy—can cause what’s known as “chemo brain,” or cancer-related cognitive impairment. This can affect memory, focus, and decision-making. Even for patients not yet in treatment, the sheer stress of navigating an unfamiliar, often unwelcoming healthcare system can be mentally exhausting.
All of these factors can make it harder for Black cancer patients to:
- Process information clearly
- Feel confident making treatment decisions
- Speak up during appointments
- Stick to a treatment plan
That’s where patient navigators step in—not just to simplify logistics, but to support the patient’s mental and emotional well-being at every stage.
Patient Navigators and Clinical Trials: Building Trust and Boosting Access
There are many reasons Black patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, including mistrust, lack of awareness, and limited access. These are all areas where patient navigators can step in and help them access potentially life-saving options.
“Navigators help explain what a clinical trial really is, what’s involved, and whether it’s a good fit for a patient,” Dr. Graber says.
Studies show that patient navigators significantly boost clinical trial enrollment, especially among underserved populations. A study shared by Lemery revealed that general enrollment rates of patients into clinical trials after receiving patient navigation were as high as 95 percent. Another study found that patient navigators increased the enrollment of Black women with breast cancer in clinical trials by 86 percent.
A patient navigator’s success with getting a patient involved in clinical trials relies heavily on building trust from the very beginning. “When someone explains the process in a way that feels personal and clear, it makes all the difference,” Dr. Graber says. “Navigators don’t just guide patients, but they also make sure to empower them.”
The Future of Patient Navigation in Cancer Care
As cancer care becomes increasingly complex and personalized, the role of patient navigators will become even more essential. From breaking down medical jargon to building trust in clinical trials, these professionals help ensure that no patient is left behind, especially in communities that have been historically overlooked.
Dr. Graber says patient navigators are key to creating more equitable care: “Their help will make sure that every patient gets a fair chance at the best possible treatment.”
For Black cancer patients, patient navigators are more than a resource—they’re a lifeline. By guiding patients through the system with empathy, clarity, and cultural understanding, navigators help close care gaps and create real pathways to healing.
