For Immediate Release
January 11, 2005

Roswell Park Participates in Development of Guidelines for Cancer Distress Treatment Guidelines

BUFFALO, NY – Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) today announced its participation in the development and release of the new Distress Treatment Guidelines for Patients from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in collaboration with the American Cancer Society (ACS). This title is one in a series dedicated to educating patients and their families about cancer. It is available free in booklet form by calling 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or online at http://www.cancer.org/downloads/CRI/NCCN_Distress.pdf.

One of every two men and one of every three women in the United States will have cancer. These guidelines fill a long-standing void in cancer care. They are designed to enhance patients’ lives and support patient-doctor communications. 

"These patient guidelines are a valuable resource for cancer patients and their families," said Michael Zevon, PhD, Chairman, Department of Psychosocial Oncology, RPCI, who participates on the NCCN Practice Guidelines for Distress Management panel.  "These guidelines provide current information in an easy to understand format to ensure that the emotional needs of cancer patients are met."

The Distress Treatment Guidelines help patients and their family members understand and respond to the range of psychological and social issues they may be facing. Distress is defined here as a “wide range of feelings, from powerlessness, sadness and fear to depression, anxiety and panic.” The guidelines include a self-test and suggestions to help clinical care providers assess the level of distress. 

“It is normal to be worried and stressed as a result of a cancer diagnosis,” continued Dr. Zevon. “All patients cope in a unique manner.  These distress guidelines help to evaluate how patients cope and determine if the care team needs to get involved to help the patient deal with their concerns.”

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 19 of the world's leading cancer centers, is an authoritative source of information to help patients and health professionals make informed decisions about cancer care.  Through the collective expertise of its member institutions, the NCCN develops, updates and disseminates a complete library of about 110 clinical practice guidelines.  These guidelines are the standard for clinical policy in oncology.  In addition to the guidelines, NCCN publishes the bi-monthly JNCCN (Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network) for cancer care professionals, directs the National Oncology Outcomes Project, produces the Drugs & Biologics Compendium, manages the Leukemia Resource Line for physicians and hosts a national series of educational conferences and symposia for oncology professionals.  For more information about the NCCN and its member institutions, please visit www.nccn.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities involving millions of volunteers across the United States.  For more information anytime, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation's first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only national Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI's website at www.roswellpark.org., call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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