PeerNav

What is PeerNav?

Why trust it?

How can I get help?

How can I help others?

Who's behind it?

What is PeerNav?

Navigating the healthcare system can be a stressful, isolating, and overwhelming experience. Many patients and caregivers don’t know where to turn for help and feel like no one understands. That’s why we created PeerNav.

PeerNav uses a secure digital app to connect patients and caregivers with a specially trained Peer Navigator who has experienced a similar type of cancer and knows what it’s like.

Peer Navigators guide patients and caregivers through the healthcare system and help them get the care and support they need.

Currently, our Peer Navigators are trained to support young adults aged 18-39 with breast cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma or sarcoma diagnosis, and patients and caregivers affected by head and neck cancer. Stay tuned as PeerNav grows to support others.

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. Use the PeerNav app to connect with your Peer Navigator.

Talk to someone about their real experiences.
Get answers to your questions about what to expect.
Feel comfortable discussing your concerns with someone who knows what it’s like.
Access a library of resources for dealing with cancer.
Find the information and support you need.

Why trust it?

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

PeerNav is based on scientific evidence and real patient and caregiver experiences.

Our Peer Navigators are cancer survivors who have specialized skills, received formal training and are supported by 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, sign-up to be paired with a Peer Navigator who has experienced a similar type of cancer.

Here’s how to get started:

Contact us to learn more about PeerNav and access the PeerNav app.
Tell us about yourself and your needs in the PeerNav app.
View your matches in the PeerNav app and select the Peer Navigator that’s the best fit.
Connect with your Peer Navigator in the PeerNav app.
Communicate with your Peer Navigator through direct message or video call on the PeerNav app, or set up a phone call.

How can I help others?

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

Here’s how to get started:

Contact us to learn more about PeerNav and access the PeerNav application form.
Participate 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 PeerNav app.
Communicate with your matches through direct message or video call on the PeerNav app, or set up a phone call.

Who's behind it?

PeerNav is led by a team from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

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 help others?