FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 19, 2005 CONTACTS:Heather Goethe 703-299-1016
Elizabeth Milbank 212-584-5014New Section of ASCO’s Patient Website Dedicated to Providing Seniors and Their Caregivers Practical Treatment and Coping Advice Editor’s Note: Oncologist specializing in the care of older persons available for interview.The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) patient information website, People Living With Cancer (www.PLWC.org), features a comprehensive new section adapted from ASCO’s physician curriculum dedicated to the specialized coping and health-care needs of seniors living with cancer. This information is designed to help older adults and their families make informed treatment decisions surrounding a cancer diagnosis.
The single greatest risk for developing cancer is aging. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the incidence of cancer is about 10 times greater in people 65 years and older. About 60% of all cancers occur in this age group with the most common cancer diagnoses being prostate, breast, colon, pancreas, bladder, stomach, lung, and rectum.
“As the current population ages, and as more people are living longer, the number of new cancer diagnoses in older Americans is expected to rise during this century,” said Diane Blum, MSW, Editor in Chief of www.PLWC.org. “Older adults with cancer often have different care needs than their younger counterparts. This newest section of www.PLWC.org was designed specifically to address these differences in care by examining how cancer and its related coping and treatment issues affect older Americans.”
Notable topics in the “Cancer Care in the Older Population” section include:
- Understanding treatment options and how they each affect older patients
- Reasons for the history of low clinical trial participation by older adults
- Common sense tips on managing care and enhancing doctor/patient communication channels
- Practical advice on addressing financial concerns
- Helpful suggestions for the caregiver
“The number of older Americans relying on the Internet for health care information is increasing dramatically,” said Jamie Von Roenn, MD, Curriculum Series Editor for
Cancer Care in the Older Population. “Offering an oncologist-approved, web-based resource seemed to be the most effective method to reach seniors and their families with this important information.”
According to a new report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, some 53% of online seniors have gone to websites that provide information or support for a specific medical condition or personal situation, compared with 54% of the general online population. A Manhattan Research report indicates that the top five diseases or conditions searched for by seniors include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.
To access “Cancer Care in the Older Population,” logon to www.PLWC.org, and then select the “Coping” tab.
About People Living With Cancer (www.PLWC.org)
www.PLWC.org is the patient website of ASCO, the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer. The website is designed to help patients and their families make informed health care decisions. Medical information found on www.PLWC.org has been approved by an editorial board and supporting advisory panel consisting of more than 100 internationally renowned oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers, and patient advocates.
ASCO’s more than 20,000 members from the United States and abroad set the standard for patient care worldwide and lead the fight for more effective cancer treatments, increased funding for clinical and translational research, and ultimately, cures for the many different types of cancer that strike an estimated 10 million people worldwide each year. ASCO also publishes the
Journal of Clinical Oncology (
JCO), the preeminent, peer-reviewed, medical journal on clinical cancer research.
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