New Cancer Information Resources for Patients Now Available

American Cancer Society
Monday, 16 September 2002

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Announces Release of Treatment Guidelines for Patients

In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society announced the release of the Ovarian Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients today. The NCCN Treatment Guidelines for Patients are a companion to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology used by physicians making treatment decisions. The guidelines provide the most up-to-date information about treatment options and are written in easy to understand language.

"By providing oncologists and their patients with similar resources, each written in their own language, the guidelines enable shared decision-making. In essence, each member of the team is on the same page," said Rodger J. Winn, M.D., chairman of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Guidelines Steering Committee.

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer in the United States. The Society estimates that there will be 23,300 new cases of ovarian cancer in this country this year, and about 13,900 women will die of the disease.

"By making these guidelines available, we're providing patients with the latest treatment information, based on years of research. We're giving them the power to make the decisions that are best for them," explained Robert C. Young, M.D., national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society and president of Fox Chase Cancer Center, a founding member of the NCCN.

In addition to the ovarian cancer guidelines, the NCCN and the American Cancer Society today announced the availability of several new patient guidelines, designed to help patients make more informed decisions about their cancer treatment. The new guidelines cover four areas:

• Lung Cancer - According to the American Cancer Society, more people will die from lung cancer this year than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
• Melanoma – According to the American Cancer Society, incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is on the rise. It is estimated that in 2002 there will be 53,600 new cases of melanoma in the United States and about 7,400 people will die of this disease.
• Fever and Neutropenia – Fever and neutropenia are common and potentially serious side effects of cancer therapy. Neutropenia is a decrease in infection-fighting white blood cells.
• Colon and Rectal Cancer – According to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancers are the third most common cancers in men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Other available Treatment Guidelines for Patients include topics on: breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancer pain management, nausea and vomiting, and cancer-related fatigue. Several of the guidelines are also available in Spanish. These materials are available free of charge on NCCN's Web site at www.nccn.org and by calling NCCN toll-free at 1-888-909-NCCN. Materials also are available on the American Cancer Society's Web site at www.cancer.org or by calling 1-800-ACS-2345.

The patient guidelines are the result of a collaborative effort between NCCN and the American Cancer Society and are derived directly from the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology developed for physicians by the NCCN. The patient guidelines also provide background information on different types of cancers, their causes, various treatment options, and a glossary of terms.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 19 of the world's leading cancer centers, is an authoritative source of information to help patients and health professionals make informed decisions about cancer care. Through the collective expertise of its member institutions, the NCCN develops, updates, and disseminates a complete library of clinical practice guidelines. The NCCN's spectrum of programs emphasizes improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice. Programs include: Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Treatment Guidelines for Patients, Oncology Outcomes Database, Clinical Trials Network, educational conferences and symposia for clinicians, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and collaborations with managed care organizations. For more information, visit www.nccn.org.

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. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site.

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