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News Release

March 2, 2007

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Patrice Bedrosian, American Cancer Society
203-379-4840
e-mail: patrice.bedrosian@cancer.org

Valuable Resources for Patients with Cancer

UConn’s Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center is First to Offer Patients New Resources from the American Cancer Society

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Recognizing that information is power, especially when men and women are first diagnosed with cancer, the University of Connecticut Health Center is launching a new program with the American Cancer Society.

Newly diagnosed patients at the Health Center’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center now have immediate access to the American Cancer Society’s vast Cancer Resource Network, as well as customized Personal Health Manager kits that provide a wide range of information about their specific diagnoses. The Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center is the first in the state to offer these extensive, free resources to patients.

“These tools were thoughtfully designed to help patients as they walk their important journey toward survivorship. We are very happy to offer these services for patients and hope they will be both useful and empowering,” said Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Immediate Past President of the American Cancer Society.

The Cancer Resource Network is accessible on-line and through a toll-free number. It provides newly diagnosed patients and caregivers with the latest information about treatment options, clinical trials and emotional support, 24 hours a day. In addition, patients, survivors and caregivers can obtain help with financial and insurance questions, prescription questions, finding lodging, and transportation to treatment. Additional services in Connecticut include access to free wigs, cosmetic and skincare training for individuals undergoing treatment, and peer counseling from volunteers who have experienced and endured a similar diagnosis.

The Cancer Resource Network is staffed by professionals and is available to patients, caregivers and family members at all times by calling 1-800-ACS-2345 or visiting www.cancer.org. 

The Personal Health Manager kits are durable folders filled with educational materials about the patient’s treatments and medications, as well as information about programs and services available locally through the American Cancer Society. The folders are tailored to address concerns related to each patient’s specific diagnosis and become available once a patient meets with his or her team of surgical and oncology treatment schedulers. Patients are encouraged to bring the folders with them throughout the course of their treatment.

“Providing answers and support to newly diagnosed patients can have a valuable impact on their quality of life and their survivorship,” added Connie Malave, area director of cancer control, American Cancer Society. “The UConn Health Center is taking a leading role in ensuring their patients get this kind of help.”

The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a full spectrum of cancer services, from education and prevention strategies to early detection services, innovative, state-of-the-art treatments, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and support services. In addition, the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to excellence in research, education and community outreach and to train and develop future leaders in basic, translational and clinical cancer research. For more information, visit http://cancer.uchc.edu. 

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, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

UConn Health includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital. Home to Bioscience Connecticut, UConn Health pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. More information about UConn Health is available at www.uchc.edu.

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