NCI Announces Initiative with Ortho Biotech for Cancer Survivor Issues

National Cancer InstituteEMBARGOED FOR RELEASE, Wednesday, October 8, 1997, 4:30 PM Eastern TimeNCI Press Office

In response to the difficult and complex issues affecting more than 8 million cancer survivors in the United States, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) today announced that it has developed a new training program for health care professionals. The Cancer Journey: Issues for Survivors is designed to provide professionals with the tools and information they need to effectively respond to issues facing cancer survivors. It was completed with significant support and input from Ortho Biotech Inc. of New Jersey and guidance from cancer organizations nationwide.

"The recent decline in cancer death rates marks a turning point from the steady increase we have seen throughout much of the century," noted NCI Director Richard D. Klausner, M.D. "As treatment becomes increasingly effective in the coming years, we will need joint initiatives like this training program to renew our commitment to improve the quality of life of those who develop cancer. By supporting this program, Ortho Biotech demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting the needs of cancer survivors."

The Cancer Journey: Issues for Survivors is designed for health professionals in training roles. They will utilize the program to educate their peers about the complex web of issues faced by cancer survivors.

Components of the training program include:

Leader's Guide suggesting several different ways to use kit materials to design a program to meet the needs of specific target audiences.

Thirty-minute videotape featuring cancer survivors describing their experiences with cancer.

Reference Materials Manual with cancer survivorship resources, including NCI fact sheets, journal articles, and resource lists that can be reproduced for training program participants.

"Ortho Biotech recognizes the need for high-quality health care and enhanced support systems to address the issues facing cancer survivors, as well as their friends and family," said Carol Webb, president, Ortho Biotech Inc. "We are pleased to support this project and proud to work with the National Cancer Institute on The Cancer Journey."

For more information about The Cancer Journey: Issues for Survivors training program, health professionals are encouraged to contact the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

The National Cancer Institute is the Federal government's primary cancer research agency. NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health of the Departments of Health and Human Services.

Ortho Biotech Inc. was established in 1990 as the biotechnology subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The company markets and develops products in oncology, immunology, and surgery.

For more information about cancer, visit NCI's Website for patients, public and the mass media at http://rex.nci.nih.gov or NCI's main website at http://www.nci.nih.gov.