Thomson Healthcare Online Treatment Tools Mark Milestone
February 21 2008 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
One million users access cancer, heart disease, and lung disease
treatment decision support tools for patient-specific treatment
recommendations STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
More than one million people have used Thomson Healthcare (NYSE:
TOC; TSX: TOC) Profiler treatment option tools to help make
treatment decisions for cancer, heart disease and lung disease, the
company announced today. "When you consider more than 20 million
people are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease or lung disease
each year, this is not the kind of milestone one celebrates," said
Alicia Moffat, Thomson Healthcare's vice president of Web
operations. "It is a significant indicator of the persistence of
these conditions in our country and a positive sign that patients
and caregivers are taking a proactive approach to disease
education, management and treatment." The tools are unique in their
approach to helping people understand their conditions, their
possible treatments and the side effects of those treatments. The
online Profiler tools are free of charge and accessible under the
"treatment decision" links on the American Cancer Society, American
Heart Association, and American Lung Association Web sites. The
Thomson Healthcare Profiler tools walk users through a step-by-step
approach to a better understanding of their diagnostic tests,
treatment options and, in some cases, possible outcomes based on
similar people treated within clinical trials. All of the
information presented is based on clinical evidence published in
leading medical journals. No other Internet offering produces such
in-depth treatment information tailored to an individual's clinical
status. Donald Distasio, chief executive officer, Eastern Division
of the American Cancer Society and a prostate cancer survivor, says
that -- even though he was aware of the tools and other information
available at the American Cancer Society's cancer.org Web site --
he didn't really appreciate the value of knowing his options until
he was faced with making those tough treatment decisions for
himself. "There is just an extraordinary depth of information
there. Prostate cancer has rather difficult treatment choices to
make, and the tool and all the information on the cancer.org site
was very reassuring and helpful," Distasio said. "With these tools
and information on cancer.org, I felt very comfortable. All my
questions had been answered and that makes a world of difference in
how you feel going into treatment." About Thomson Healthcare
Thomson Healthcare is the leading provider of decision support
solutions that help organizations across the healthcare industry
improve clinical and business performance. Thomson Healthcare
products and services help clinicians, hospitals, employers, health
plans, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies manage the
cost and improve the quality of healthcare. Thomson Healthcare is a
part of The Thomson Corporation, a provider of value-added
information, software tools and applications to professionals in
the fields of healthcare, law, tax, accounting, scientific
research, and financial services. The Corporation's common shares
are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC;
TSX: TOC). For more information, visit
(http://www.thomsonhealthcare.com/ ). DATASOURCE: Thomson
Healthcare CONTACT: D. Nikki Wheeler of Thomson Healthcare,
+1-303-486-9031, Web site: http://www.thomsonhealthcare.com/
http://www.cancer.org/
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