New Website Encourages Consumers to Look for a 360-Degree Approach When Evaluating Cancer Care Programs

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- What makes for the best cancer care? "A cancer diagnosis can be confusing, even overwhelming. That's why it is important to know what to look for in a cancer program before you need it," says Joanne Schottinger, MD, oncologist and clinical lead of cancer care for the Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute. Consumers now can visit a new website — kp.org/cancercare — and learn more about how one health care system approaches cancer care differently.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130718/SF49717LOGO)

During a visit for a swollen knee, physician assistant Katherine Lewis noticed that Dale Gordon, a truck driver from California, was overdue for a colorectal screening, recommended by for everyone over the age of 50.

"I don't think Katherine had any idea when she handed me that (screening) kit that it was going to save my life," said Dale. "But it certainly did."

His test results came back abnormal, and it was later found that he had colon cancer. Before Dale went into surgery, his doctor ordered a routine CAT scan of his abdomen, which revealed a large tumor outside his left kidney.

As Dale's story shows, if you or a loved one faces cancer, a coordinated approach to care begins long before diagnosis and continues well after recovery. Kaiser Permanente launched kp.org/cancercare, available in both English and Spanish, to highlight the organization's commitment to overcoming cancer through earlier detection, excellent personalized care delivered with compassion, leading-edge research and technology, and lifestyle coaching.

"Dale's story is not unique," says Dr. Schottinger, "which is why your health care provider should have an integrated approach to finding and treating cancer — your doctor, your pharmacist, your nurse, your oncologist, your entire care team working together with real-time, life-saving information."

A 360-degree approach means:

A commitment to prevention
The earlier a cancer is detected, the better chances of survival can be. Kaiser Permanente is proactive in having its members screened for colorectal, cervical and breast cancer. In fact, the National Committee for Quality Assurance reports that breast cancer screening rates for female members at Kaiser Permanente are among the best in the nation.

A commitment to total care
Kaiser Permanente's multidisciplinary approach to care means that a member's care team examines the condition from all angles and is continually adding to the tools it employs, including robotically assisted surgery in some areas and a treatment approach that matches proven chemotherapy regimens based on current research to the member's own medical needs.

Kaiser Permanente's coordinated view can also include connecting members to clinical trials when that is the best option.

A commitment for life
Survivorship after treatment is a crucial part of cancer care. Kaiser Permanente offers ongoing screenings, physical therapies, and spiritual and emotional support after cancer treatment. Classes and workshops (some may require a fee) are offered that explore techniques for coping and stress management, options for a healthy diet and exercise routines.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 9.1 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/newscenter.

Media Contact:
Farra Levin
510-267-7364
Farra.R.Levin@kp.org

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente