Elderly cancer patients are significantly under-represented in cancer clini...( a patient navigator program a grass...),Health

a "patient navigator program" a grass roots effort involving both researchers and members of the community that will provide culturally appropriate education to the community on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment; facilitate participation in the project's clinical trials and community survey; and assist Native American cancer patients in utilizing the health care system.

Finally, the project will offer a genetic test to determine whether Native Americans carry a gene that may cause them to experience more severe side effects from radiation. A particular DNA repair gene will be investigated.

"Traditionally, Native Americans have been less likely to benefit from the progress being made in cancer research because of a multitude of barriers," said Daniel Petereit, MD, principal investigator for the project and radiation oncologist at the John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care Institute in Rapid City, South Dakota. "To address these barriers, we are working closely with Sioux Nation to develop innovative approaches that will ensure Native Americans have equal access to the best possible care."

In addition, researchers noted that they hope findings from the Native American project can serve as a model for improving access to clinical trials and quality cancer care among the many underserved populations in the United States.

'"/>

Contact: Danielle Potuto
potutod@asco.org
703-519-1422
American Society of Clinical Oncology
12-Nov-2004

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related medicine news :

1. Elderly receiving inappropriate prescriptions from their doctors office
2. Elderly people cared for by spouse are at greater risk for abuse, Pitt researchers find
3. Elderly with advanced chronic diseases burdened with symptoms
4. Elderly experience long-term cognitive decline after surgery
5. Elderly men receiving excessive prostate cancer screening, study suggests
6. Elderly women over-screened for cancers with little measurable benefit
7. Elderly care is inadequate, especially in nursing homes
8. Elderly getting left out of critical cancer research
9. Elderly do not plan for serious future illness
10. Elderly colon cancer patients benefit from chemotherapy and surgery
11. Elderly patients have a high risk of stroke within six months of a heart attack