BCT LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE TOOL
04/11/2021
BCT launches new online tool to empower women in their breast cancer treatment decisions
Breast Cancer Trials has launched a new online platform designed to help women make informed decisions about their breast cancer treatment. For many women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, the treatment process can be overwhelming and stressful. In certain situations, doctors may offer treatment with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy before surgery to the breast and lymph nodes (neoadjuvant).
Breast Cancer Trials has launched the online Neoadjuvant Patient Decision Aid to help women recently diagnosed with breast cancer decide if this is the right treatment choice for them. The information provided in the online decision aid is tailored to each breast cancer patient and factors in what type of breast cancer they have been diagnosed with. The decision aid is not intended to change a patient’s mind about their treatment, rather to present an evidence-based view of their options and ensure their treatment choice is aligned with their particular circumstance.
It informs breast cancer patients about their options for the timing of their treatment and surgery, why you might choose to have treatment before surgery and the pros and cons of having surgery first.
The Neoadjuvant Patient Decision Aid has been created using the research findings from the DOMINO clinical trial. It has been created by a team of experts led by Breast Cancer Trials Medical Advisor, researcher and medical oncologist, Dr Nick Zdenkowski.
“Our research has shown that breast cancer patients want more information and involvement in their decisions about treatment,” said Dr Zdenkowski.
“This resource has been created to support shared decision making between patients and their doctors and treatment teams.”
“We have found that patients who use the Neoadjuvant Patient Decision Aid have decreased anxiety about their treatment choice, feel more confident in their treatment knowledge and feel more in control of their treatment moving forward.”
“Moving forward, we hope that all early-stage breast cancer patients who are considering neoadjuvant therapy will access this online resource and feel in control of their treatment.”
Consumers were an important part of creating this resource, ensuring all information and language used were patient appropriate.
Chair of the Breast Cancer Trials Consumer Advisory Panel and former breast cancer patient, Ms Leslie Gilham, said this resource will be invaluable for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
“We are proud to have been a part of this important project, providing a breast cancer patient’s perspective and representing those in the community regarding the information and resources they are given,” said Ms Gilham.
“The online Neoadjuvant Patient Decision Aid helps to empower women early on in their treatment journey, through educating them on their treatment choices, dependent on their breast cancer type.”
“It will inform and give confidence to women who may be unsure about the best treatment decision for them.”
“The aim is for every woman recently diagnosed with early breast cancer who has been offered neoadjuvant therapy, will have access to this tool.”
The Neoadjuvant Patient Decision Aid and the DOMINO clinical trial were funded by the HCF Research Foundation and supporters of Breast Cancer Trials, and the development of the new online platform was supported by an educational grant by Roche.
To access the Neoadjuvant Patient Decision Aid, visit: www.myneoguide.com
For more information about Breast Cancer Trials, visit: www.breastcancertrials.org.au
Media Contact: Anna Fitzgerald – Breast Cancer Trials Communications Manager
02 4925 5256 or 0400 304 224; anna.fitzgerald@bctrials.org.au
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