NCCN and ACS Unveil First-Ever Patients’ Version of
Practice Guidelines for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer patients have an invaluable new resource in their fight
against cancer, thanks to a joint effort between the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The University
of Nebraska Medical Center Eppley Cancer Center is a founding and existing
member of the NCCN.
With the American Cancer Society’s translation of the NCCN treatment
guidelines, which were originally designed for oncology professionals,
prostate 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 with their physician.
“Patients who are diagnosed with cancer are hungry for information,”
said Margaret Tempero, M.D., vice chairman of the NCCN and interim director
for the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “They seek information from any source
they can. They bring some information to us, some of which is valid, some
of which is not. This (guideline) will be a basis for discussion.”
According to the American Cancer Society, about 179,300 new cases of
prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Excluding
skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American
men.
Rather than having to consult numerous different sources, prostate cancer
patients will now have easy access to a wealth of current expert information
in a convenient, clearly-written format. Among the topics covered
are: the different types of treatments available, information about clinical
trials, specific information explaining the different stages of prostate
cancer, various treatment paths and options for prostate cancer patients
and a “patient-friendly” glossary.
Each of these topics are covered in-depth and incorporate the latest
available information in cancer
care. The guidelines answer frequently asked questions men have
after their initial diagnosis including how a man’s age and general health
affect treatment choices and explain the stages of the disease and different
treatment side effects.
“The launch of the breast cancer patient information in March was received
with an overwhelming and very positive response. Two months later,
we are still receiving a large volume of requests and inquiries,” said
William T. McGivney, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the NCCN. “I am
confident that the release of the prostate cancer patient information will
create the same interest and demand with men diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
“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 prostate 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, including the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center,
are part of the network.
Other NCCN members include: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center,
Seattle; UCSF Stanford Health Care, Stanford, Calif.; Huntsman Cancer Institute
at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City; City of Hope National Medical
Center, Los Angeles.; University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center,
Houston; University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor,
Mich.; St. Jude Children=s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.; James Cancer
Hospital and Solove Research Institute at Ohio State University, Columbus,
Ohio; Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
& Research Institute at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.;
University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham,
Ala.; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia; Roswell Park Cancer Institute,
Buffalo, N.Y.; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Robert
H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago;
and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.
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.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute designated
cancer center B a distinction held by only 55 centers in the country. Of
the $34.3 million in competitive, external research grants and contracts
awarded to UNMC in 1997-98, cancer-related research accounted for about
one-half of that amount. Nebraska Health System, which consists of Clarkson
Hospital and University Hospital, provides the patient care element for
the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
To obtain copies of the patient versions of the breast and prostate
cancer guidelines, contact the NCCN at 1-888-909-NCCN or American Cancer
Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. You may also visit their web sites at
www.nccn.org or www.cancer.org.