Cancer Website For Patients Earns Awards For Outstanding Content

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 04 Dec 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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The physician reviewed and approved cancer information on the consumer website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has earned the Society an award for Best Health/Healthcare Content.

With information on more than 120 types of cancer and cancer-related syndromes, the People Living With Cancer website (PLWC.org) was recognized by Strategic Healthcare Communications for its outstanding content and design.

"This website is a labor of love for the oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers and patient advocates who give of their time and expertise to ensure the information is reliable, relevant, and accessible to the people who need it most - patients, their family members, and friends - and anyone else," said Diane Blum, MSW, Editor in Chief of PLWC.org.

Judged by a team of 100 individuals with expertise in healthcare and the Internet, PLWC.org stood out as the only website of a healthcare association/professional society to receive recognition in the Best Health/Healthcare Content category.

In September, Plwc.org was also recognized by the Web Marketing Association. The site received the prestigious WebAward for Outstanding Content in the healthcare, medical and nonprofit categories.

"The content is terrific - simple navigation, even with so many choices available - addresses target audience perfectly," noted one of the judges.

Since its launch in 2002, ASCO's patient information Web site has received numerous awards from the Web Marketing Association including:

2006: Health Care Standard of Excellence and Medical Standard of Excellence
2003: Standard of Excellence
2002: Outstanding Website

"Providing timely, oncologist-approved cancer information to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions has been the sole mission and purpose of Plwc.org since its inception five years ago," said Blum. "While working on Plwc.org is its own reward, it is wonderful to be repeatedly recognized by others for the work that we do and the high-quality information we provide."

In addition to disease-specific content, the site features a find an oncologist database and information on clinical trials, managing side effects, coping and survivorship. Information is also available in Spanish.

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 http://www.asco.org/presscenter.

Patient-oriented cancer information is available at http://www.plwc.org.

American Society of Clinical Oncology