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The Cancer Supportive Care Program (CSCP) And Website For Improving The Quality Of Life For Cancer Patients
13th International Symposium Supportive Care in Cancer, June 2001, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD, David Spiegel, MD, Holly Gautier, RN, BSN, Margaret Hawn, RN, Pat Fobair, LCSW, Bernadette Festa, RDH, MS, Kathleen Dzubar, MS, Bita Nouriani, MS, Pat Kramer, RN, MSN, AOCN, Alexandra Andrews, Sol Silverman, MA, DDS and Robert Ignoffo, PharmD,
Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA and The University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA.


Abstract: The purpose of the Cancer Supportive Care Program (CSCP) is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and families through rehabilitation and education to help reduce the morbidity and toxicity of cancer and cancer therapy, and to regain functional status. To address these needs we have established a free Cancer Supportive Care Program (CSCP) at Stanford Medical Center and multiple interdisciplinary satellites in the U.S. and abroad. The CSCP is divided into three parts: an overview, weekly educational classes and workshops which include nutrition, exercise, yoga, fatigue, pain control, imagery, massage, group support, and side effects of cancer therapy, and control measures. Clinical research to evaluate the CSCP assessing quality of life, functional capacity and symptom control. The program was administered to over 2406 persons over the last 12-month period with an 88% patient approval rating. The weekly exercise classes showed an increase in the Karnofsky score from an attainment of self-care for the most frequent attendees.

The Cancer Supportive Care website www.cancersupportivecare.com started in May 1999 has provided education and support to a worldwide audience. These modules have serviced over one hundred thousand visitors from over 50 countries. New modules include the Web tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions and The Value of Second Opinions. The UCSF Department of Clinical Pharmacy provides website information on the management of side effects of drugs, herbs and vitamins. This program receives about 1000 page requests per month.

Conclusion: The goal of the CSCP is to improve quality of life by implementing a free multi-disciplinary program to complement standard medical treatment. The CSCP hopefully is becoming a model for developing similar programs in the U.S. and the world. The website www.cancersupportivecare.com has shown a beneficial effect on quality of life through patient information. This may be especially useful for patients who have a physical limitation or who are isolated.




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