ASCO Launches Cancer.Net, Featuring New, Doctor-Approved Information And Tools For Patients

Main Category: IT / Internet / E-mail
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 04 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) launched Cancer.Net, a comprehensive, doctor-approved patient website that provides reliable, up-to-the-minute information on more than 120 types of cancer and cancer-related syndromes. The site replaces ASCO's PeopleLivingWithCancer.org and adds new features, including toolkits to help newly diagnosed patients and survivors navigate their care.

ASCO also announced the results of a new Zogby poll showing that a large majority of Americans rely on the Internet for cancer information and view doctors as the most credible source. Yet, the survey revealed that few people verify the information they find on the Internet with a doctor. The study also demonstrated that many have misperceptions about cancer, pointing to the need for credible cancer information on the Internet.

"Good cancer care starts with good cancer information," said ASCO President Nancy Davidson, MD. "As oncologists, we're committed to our patients and take their trust very seriously. We view Cancer.Net as an extension of our care, offering high-quality, accurate information that empowers patients to make well-informed decisions."

New Survey Points to Need for Accurate Cancer Information on the Internet

A new Zogby International consumer poll, commissioned by ASCO, describes the most popular and trusted sources of cancer information, and public misperceptions about cancer:

- Most Americans have searched for cancer information on the Internet, yet few verify what they find: Fifty-nine percent of Americans have searched for cancer information on the Internet, and nearly 9 out of 10 (88%) of respondents say the Internet is the source they're most likely to go to for cancer information. However, less than one-third (32 %) verified the information they found with a healthcare professional.

- Doctors are seen as the most credible source of cancer information: Sixty percent of those surveyed report that doctors are the most credible source of cancer information, followed by nonprofit organizations (15%) and government agencies (9%).

- Americans have misperceptions about cancer: More than half of respondents correctly identified skin cancer as the most common cancer. Others named breast (22%), lung (12%) and prostate (11%) as the most common cancers. However, 2008 American Cancer Society data show that after skin cancer, lung cancer is the most common cancer type (215,020), followed by prostate (186,320) and breast cancer (184,450), suggesting inadequate public knowledge of cancer prevalence.

"ASCO launched Cancer.net to share its wealth of physician expertise with patients, and to ensure that patients are equipped with unquestionably accurate information to help them understand their diagnosis and their treatment options," said Diane Blum, MSW, Cancer.Net Editor-in-Chief. "Cancer.Net should be the first stop for patients seeking cancer information on the Web."

Cancer.Net Helps Patients Navigate Care

The content on Cancer.Net is developed and reviewed by a 150-member Editorial Board consisting of leading medical, surgical, radiation, and pediatric oncologists, nurses, social workers and patient advocates. New site features launched today were developed to help the more than 1.4 million patients diagnosed with cancer each year to better navigate their care and advocate for sound cancer policy.

- Newly Diagnosed: First Steps to Take - This new toolkit includes a wide range of information to help patients take control of their care from the moment they are diagnosed. Tools include podcasts and articles on "What to do When the Doctor Says Cancer;" a glossary of terms; a "Find an Oncologist" database; a guide to choosing the right treatment facility; questions to ask when seeking a second opinion and resources for emotional and financial support. (http://www.Cancer.Net/FirstSteps)

- Survivorship: Next Steps To Take - This toolkit helps patients make the transition to survivor once treatment is complete. Resources include: information on long-term side effects many survivors experience, downloadable forms to bring to the doctor to track follow-up care, podcasts and feature articles on the physical and emotional changes to expect. (http://www.Cancer.Net/NextSteps)

- Advocacy in Action Center - This section provides practical ways that patients, family and friends advocate for important cancer policy issues. Visitors will find resources on contacting elected officials and background on key cancer policy issues, such as cancer research funding, access to care and clinical trials. (http://www.Cancer.Net/Advocacy)

And in addition to the site's new features, ASCO's Cancer.Net offers comprehensive, up-to-date cancer information, including:

- Guides to more than 120 cancer types and cancer-related syndromes (including 25 in Spanish)

- Anatomical and staging illustrations

- Regular podcasts that give patients a chance to hear from ASCO experts on a variety of cancer issues, such as genetic counseling, tobacco use and tips on caregiving

- Searchable resources on local oncologists and ongoing clinical trials

- Information on managing side effects and coping

Cancer.Net, is made possible by The ASCO Cancer Foundation, which provides support for cutting-edge cancer research, education and patient information.

Survey Methodology Commissioned by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Zogby International conducted this online survey of 3,765 adults between March 18 and March 20, 2008. A sampling of Zogby International's online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the United States, was invited to participate. Slight weights were added for region, party, age, race, religion and gender to more accurately reflect the population. The margin of error is +/- 1.6 percentage points.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 25,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit here.

American Society of Clinical Oncology