PeerNav

What is PeerNav?

Why trust it?

How can I get help?

How can I offer help?

Who's behind it?

What is PeerNav?

Navigating the healthcare system can be a stressful and isolating experience.

PeerNav uses a secure digital app to connect you with a trained Peer Navigator who has experienced cancer and knows what it's like.

Peer Navigators guide you though the healthcare system and help you get the care and support you need.

I’m struggling with fatigue since completing cancer treatment.

I’ve been there. Would you like to talk more about it?

Yes, that would help. Could we set up a phone call for later this week?

PeerNav can help. It’s free, confidential, and easy-to-use.

Talk with someone who has real, lived experience.
Get answers to your questions about what to expect.
Share your concerns with someone who truly understands.
Access a library of helpful cancer‑related resources.
Find the information and support you need.

Why trust it?

PeerNav was created by a team of healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers.

It is based on scientific evidence as well as real expereinces from patients and caregivers.

Our Peer Navigators are cancer survivors who receive specialized training and ongoing support from healthcare professionals.

Testimonials

“He was really a very good match. He had had very similar surgeries and treatments. And his personality and his approach and his helpfulness was just particularly good and sensitive and supportive. I couldn’t have asked for a better match. “

-Patient

“It’s a great place to find someone to talk to who has gone through what you are going through. It’s a great place to get answers to your questions.”

-Patient

“I think the biggest thing is that it helps to not feel so isolated and so alone.”

-Patient

“I just really didn’t have the big picture. We had all these nuts and bolts, but we did not have the big picture until my Peer Navigator stepped in and said “Okay, here’s the big picture.”

-Caregiver

“It has been very gratifying for me. It's not easy to get that gratification for a lot of things that you do. You feel good doing something for somebody.”

-Peer Navigator

“The training I received is superb with respect to how I was able to help the individuals who I was supporting.”

-Peer Navigator

How can I get help?

If you're a patient or caregiver looking for support, sign up to be matched with a Peer Navigator:

Here’s how to get started:

Contact us to learn more about PeerNav and get access to the app.
Tell us about yourself and your needs in the PeerNav app.
Review your matches in the app and choose the Peer Navigator who feels like the best fit.
Connect with your Peer Navigator directly through the PeerNav app.
Receive support from your Peer Navigator by sending messages, joining a video call, or arranging a phone call through the app.

How can I offer help?

If you’re an experienced patient or caregiver, you can sign-up to help others navigate their cancer journey.

Here’s how to get started:‍

Contact us to learn more about PeerNav and get the Peer Navigator application form.
Take part in a screening interview with our program team.
Complete the Peer Navigator Training Program.
Create your Peer Navigator profile on the PeerNav app.
Connect with your matches through the app.
Provide support to your matches by sending messages, joining a video call, or arranging a phone call through the app.

Who's behind it?

PeerNav is led by a team from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at the University Health Network, in Toronto, Canada.

Dr. Jackie Bender

Scientist and Lead

Dr. Norma D'Agostino

Psychologist

Dr. Bojana Petrovic

Research Associate

Logan Meyers, MSc

Clinical Research Coordinator

View full team

Navigating cancer can be a real challenge.

Experienced Peer Navigators can lead the way.

What is PeerNav?

Why trust it?

Testimonials

How can I get help?

How can I offer help?