Cancer Q and A

Over the course of the past four years, Research To Practice (RTP) has been able to observe through a variety of patient-focused needs assessment activities that numerous fascinating and significant gaps exist in patient-physician relationships. Foremost among these is a discrepancy between the amount of information provided by physicians and that which is desired by patients.

Cancer Q and A is RTP’s first major attempt to bridge this gap and is designed to be a credible and in-depth source of educational information. Using interviews with renowned oncology clinical investigators and cancer patients, the programs feature language that is easily understandable, and the Q and A format presents valuable dialogue that physicians and patients can discuss, process and use in making treatment-related decisions regarding both adjuvant therapy and metastatic disease. The goal for Cancer Q and A is that both medical oncologists and their patients will listen to the series and will use it as a baseline to continue the complex discussions that are part of this often-challenging situation.

Cancer Q and A is available at www.CancerQandA.com, where audio and text versions of the interviews can be downloaded, listened to or read. The website also includes a glossary of common terms and a helpful search feature to find information related to specific topics.

PATIENT PROJECTS

Breast cancer patients represent one of the most important yet misunderstood constituencies within the breast cancer crucible. Given the number of personal factors that play a role in clinical decision making, patients often view potential treatment options quite differently than their physicians do, especially when quality of life is an issue. To help clinicians better understand the perspectives of breast cancer patients, Breast Cancer Update has taken a leadership role in incorporating patients into the CME landscape. Over the past years, Breast Cancer Update has launched several patient projects designed to uncover the factors that shape patient decision-making. These projects have varied in form from large town meetings to individual telephone interviews, however each endeavor included a comprehensive publication plan designed to promote the findings through the medical literature, at major scientific meetings and via internal CME activities and events.

Download PDF of our Breast Cancer Patient Perspectives Special Report