Sutter Cancer Center’s program is aptly called Navigator because it helps a woman with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer navigate her way through the sea of diagnostic, surgical and treatment options available to her. Guided by a Sutter registered nurse, the patient receives swift access to the knowledgeable opinions of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists. This support of her physical health is enhanced by support of her spiritual health, as the program focuses on both education and emotional well being.
Funding the navigator program is derived exclusively from donations to the Sutter Medical Foundation, and more than 75 percent of the 2005 budget will be generated by the Annual Mikuni Summer Golf Classic. Over the past five years, the golf tournament has raised more than $350,000 for the Nurse Navigator Program.