The American Cancer Society and Our Efforts in Palliative Care December 2005 Tom Burish, PhD

The American Cancer Society and Our Efforts in Palliative Care

December 2005

Tom Burish, PhD

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Today’s Presentation

Introduce the American Cancer Society

Our Current Work in Palliative Care

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Cancer rarely mentioned in public Cancer steeped by fear and denial 75,000 lives lost in US alone Information and knowledge desperately needed

The Early 1900’s

15 business leaders and physicians in NY begin the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC)

Then, in 1913….

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Society helps establishes link between tobacco and cancer

Nationwide Cancer Prevention Study I (CPS-I) begins -1 million participants enrolled

1950’s

1960’s1970’s

Dr. Papanicolaou research funded - leads to Pap test development

Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking issued

National Cancer Act signed

Making History

ASCC becomes the American Cancer Society

“Cancer’s Seven Danger Signals” launched – later became CAUTION

1940’S

First downturn in cancer mortality and decrease in incidence

America adopts 2015 Nationwide Objectives

National Cancer Information Center and website launched

1990’s

2000’s

ACS Research funds 38 Nobel Prize winner

Breast cancer awareness - early detection guidelines, mammography campaigns

CPS-II Study,1.2 million participants – link between diet, exercise & cancer

1980’s

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The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization

dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing

cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through

research, education, advocacy, and service.

Our Mission

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Principles of Operation

• Mission-based

• Constituent-focused

• Science-based & Evidence-driven

• Independent

• Work Collaboratively

• Accountable

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The American Cancer SocietyServes Millions

• 24/7/365 access to the most trusted source for cancer information

• 1.3 million calls to 1-800-ACS-2345 each year

• www.cancer.org 15.1 million visitor sessions in 2003; 64% growth in last 3 years

• Programs like Quitline, Cancer Survivors Network, Look Good-Feel Better and TLC serve millions of patients and families

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Some Highlights of Our Work

• 1 in every 100 American’s is involved in Relay For Life. In 2005…

• 4,400+ communities;• 3 million participants worldwide • 500,000 survivors• $1.5 billion since 1985

• Making Strides against Breast Cancer – 400.000 walkers; 100 events; $160 million raised since 1993

• Great American Smokeout – 29 years in 2005!

• International Activities have grown in past five years. ACS University has trained over 200 cancer leaders from more than 60 countries. Relay for Life is in X countries now!

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American Cancer Society 2015 American Cancer Society 2015 GoalsGoals

50% Reduction in Age-adjusted Cancer Mortality Rates

25% Reduction in Age-adjusted Cancer Incidence Rates

Measurable Improvement in the Quality of Life from the Time of Diagnosis and for the Balance of Life of All Cancer Survivors

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Quality of Life ProgramsQuality of Life Programs

ACS Program People Served/Contacted

Look Good...Feel Better 60,000 + Served

TLC Magalog 100,000+ Orders

Reach to Recovery 55,000+ New Patients Contacted

I Can Cope 10,000 + Served

Man to Man 33,000 + Served

Cancer Survivor’s Network

1.3 million visits in FY04/05

Transportation 370,000 + Rides

Housing 16,000 Stayed in Hope Lodges

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Palliative Care

The goal of palliative care is to help people with cancer and their families experience the best quality of life possible throughout the course of the disease, even when there are symptoms to manage, grave concerns for survival, and practical issues to attend to. The approach includes competent and compassionate management of symptoms such as pain, sleep loss, fatigue, and functional change.

Philosophy behind palliative care – that people with cancer need not suffer.

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Palliative Care – American Cancer Society

• Research

• Cancer Control Science

• Advocacy

• International

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• Research


• Advocacy

• International

Our Behavior Research Center implemented a program of research to assess quality of life and psychosocial functionality of cancer survivors.

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• Research


• Advocacy

• International

Identifies emerging science and trends, translating applied research and formulating science based public health strategies. Co-authored “When the Focus is On Care: Palliative Care and Cancer.”

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• Research


• Advocacy

• International

Over the past four years, we’ve focused efforts to change U.S. national and state laws and regulations to improve access and knowledge of pain management.

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• Research


• Advocacy

• International

We are applying what we know and have learned about improving access to pain management and more broadly to palliative care. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with our global partners to advance access to palliative care.

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Possible Directions for the Future

• Research

• Delivery of excellent palliative care

• Training of professionals to provide palliative care

• Provide accurate and complete information to the public

• Advocate for changes in policies that govern access to palliative care

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Thank you

Documents

The American Cancer Society and Our Efforts in Palliative Care December 2005 Tom Burish, PhD