NCCN and ACS Unveil First-Ever Patients' Version of NCCN Practice Guidelines For Breast Cancer

American Cancer Society
Monday, 1 March 1999

Ft. Lauderdale 1999/03/01 -Breast cancer patients have an invaluable new resource in their fight against cancer, thanks to a collaborative effort between the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

At the Fourth Annual NCCN Conference being held here, the NCCN and ACS today unveiled the first-ever patient version of the NCCN's breast cancer treatment guidelines. With the American Cancer Society's translation of the NCCN guidelines, which were originally designed for oncology professionals, breast cancer patients and their families now have the reliable, specific, and easy-to-understand information they need to make timely and well-informed decisions about this critical health care issue.

Rather than having to consult numerous different sources, breast cancer patients will now have easy access to a wealth of information in a convenient, clearly-written format. Among the topics covered are: types of breast cancer, stages of the disease, medical decisions and treatment options, important questions for patients to discuss with their doctors, general information about clinical trials, and a glossary of terms commonly used in breast cancer treatment.

Each of these topics are covered in-depth and incorporate the latest available information in cancer care. Patients are also aided by numerous visual aides, including six flow chart algorithms that represent appropriate treatment for different stages of breast cancer. The charts illustrate in a clear manner steps patients and the doctors can take in determining the most effective treatment for the patient.

"The NCCN Oncology Practice Guidelines, which now cover more than 95 percent of all cancer patients, have become the treatment standard for oncology professionals," said William T. McGivney, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the NCCN. "We are proud that our collaboration with the ACS will now bring these guidelines to the patients who need them the most."

"For more than 85 years, the public has relied on the American Cancer Society for accurate, up-to-date information about cancer and its treatment," said Charles J. McDonald, M.D., President of the ACS. "This joint effort with the NCCN ensures that breast cancer patients will have the information they need to better understand the disease and act, in conjunction with their physician, to get treatment that is right for them."

The NCCN and ACS are planning to translate other NCCN clinical guidelines into patient versions.

Founded in 1995, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, was created with one goal in mind: to more effectively fight cancer. A total of 17 prestigious institutions, representing the finest in cancer care across the United States, are part of the Network.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

To obtain copies of the patient version of the breast cancer guidelines, contact the National Comprehensive Cancer Network at 1-888-909-NCCN or American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org