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. "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 www.thomsonhealthcare.com.