The Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005 wended its way through Congress and was signed into law two years ago, on June 29, 2005.  This law provides the free services of health professionals (or trained patient liaisons) to cancer patients who, due to language, cultural, economic, or other barriers, need help navigating the maze of cancer treatment.

Cancer patients are given assistance with insurance forms or, if uninsured, are offered help getting covered by...