European Cancer Patient Coalition today launched “Personalised Medicine: A Guide for Patients” – a booklet to address the opportunities and challenges that personalised medicine provides, so that the needs of cancer patients across Europe are met.

 

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PERSONALISED MEDICINE?

 

During the last two decades, scientific research has allowed us to better understand how cancer develops. Applying this knowledge has been crucial to improving patient’s care. Progress has allowed the creation of new tools and treatments, leading to potentially longer and healthier lives for cancer patients.

 

‘One size fits all’ is no longer valid. Personalised Medicine aims to delivering ‘the right treatment, at the right time, at the right dose’ for patients to achieve better outcomes while preserving quality of life.

 

OUR BOOKLET, A PATIENT GUIDE THAT WILL ADDRESS MOST OF YOUR QUESTIONS

 

Cancer patients need to receive clear and accurate information about their treatment options and this guide will provide the necessary information to understand what personalised medicine is, as well as what are the steps to be followed by the patient in the ‘personalised medicine journey.’ A series of 10 key questions are also provided that cancer patients may choose to ask their doctor or medical team.

 

Research leads to more accurate diagnostics and more effective treatments and our Personalised Medicine Booklet provides valuable information about how to contribute to personalised medicine research, as patients experience and knowledge should have a central role in research itself.

 

This booklet has been developed by Mark Lawler, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor of Digital Health and Chair of Translational Genomics at Queen’s University Belfast (UK), in close collaboration with patients and patient advocates in ECPC. Prof Lawler is a member of the Scientific Committee of ECPC, Member of the Board of the European Cancer Organisation and Member of the Board of the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine.

 

Speaking at the launch Prof Lawler said “I am delighted to have worked with cancer patients and patient advocates to develop this booklet. Information is key to empowering citizens and patients to make an informed decision about their personal health and I hope that this booklet and the 10 questions that we pose will be of benefit to patients, particularly when making what can be difficult decisions.”

 

 

PERSONALISED MEDICINE BOOKLET IS AN EMPOWERMENT TOOL FOR CANCER PATIENTS TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR CARE AND TREATMENT

 

  • This guide, created by patients and health professionals, is intended to be a patient-focused enabler so that it allows cancer patients to make the best decisions for themselves and enhance their personal health and wellbeing.
  • The European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) launches the Personalised Medicine Booklet that has been co-created by Mark Lawler, member of the Scientific Committee of ECPC and cancer patients and patient advocates within ECPC.
  • Personalised Medicine has the potential to deliver significant benefits for cancer patients.

 

DOWNLOAD THE BOOKLET  HERE.