Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Care Program is a collaborative, study-based partnership between Mount Sinai Medical Center and the University of Florida. It is designed to expand access to high-quality, specialized care for individuals in rural communities who are diagnosed with gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

This program aims to connect patients with dedicated nurse navigators who connect them directly with the most appropriate physicians in their community. These physicians then review each diagnosis and develop a personalized care plan, helping to ensure that patients receive treatment aligned with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines — the recognized gold standard in gastric and GEJ cancer care.

By joining the program, patients are automatically enrolled in a research study that evaluates whether a navigator-led approach helps patients in rural areas obtain the right care sooner and achieve better outcomes. This program is important because according to the Florida Department of Health, many rural parts of Florida experience high incidence and mortality rates from gastric and GEJ cancers, and research shows that less than half of patients currently receive treatment aligned with national standards.

When participants enter this program, they help answer an important question:  Does a navigator-led approach help gastric and GEJ cancer patients in rural communities get care sooner and achieve better outcomes?By enrolling, patients not only receive structured support and expert guidance, but also contribute to research that could improve cancer care for others in the future.