NCCN announces new guidelines for patients with pancreatic Cancer

National Comprehensive Cancer NetworkAug 30 2012

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®), with the support of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, announces the latest addition to the library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM, patient-friendly translations of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®). The NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM: Pancreatic Cancer is now available free of charge at NCCN.com and NCCN.org.    

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM are designed to provide people with cancer and their caregivers with state-of-the-art treatment information in easy-to-understand language. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), because of the nature of its symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often detected in the later stages of the disease; therefore, it is critical to provide resources which can help patients take a more active role in the management of their care.

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM: Pancreatic Cancer is dedicated to patients diagnosed with any stage of the disease and is supported by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a patient-based advocacy agency dedicated to advancing research, supporting patients, and creating hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.

"We are proud to collaborate with NCCN on the creation of the patient guidelines for pancreatic cancer and incorporate them into our cadre of materials offered to patients and families through our Patient and Liaison Services program," said Julie Fleshman, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is committed to creating hope for those affected by the disease through research, patient support, and advocacy for a cure. These guidelines offer patients a new tool to better understand their diagnoses and take an active role in their own treatment."

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM: Pancreatic Cancer was also made possible through an anonymous donation in the name of Dr. Randy Pausch, Professor of Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University, whose famous Last Lecture was transcribed into an international bestselling book. Dr. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2007 and died in 2009. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM: Pancreatic Cancer is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Randy Pausch.

In announcing the publication of the NCCN Guidelines for Patients^TM, NCCN's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Patricia Goldsmith acknowledged the importance of making this information available to the public. "I'm pleased to announce the availability of the NCCN Guidelines for Patients for pancreatic cancer. The NCCN Foundation is committed to making resources like the pancreatic cancer guidelines for patients readily available to empower patients and their caregivers. With generous support and collaboration from organizations like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and private donors, NCCN continues to provide authoritative information and recommendations to people with cancer as quickly and effectively as possible," said Ms. Goldsmith.