Canadian Cancer Survivor Network launches The Stomach Cancer Portal

Online resource recognizes the unique experience of individuals

facing gastric cancer

Ottawa, ON – November 24, 2014 – For those dealing with stomach cancer, the road from diagnosis to treatment and management of the disease is a challenging, burdensome journey. Stomach cancer impacts one of our most vital organs forcing patients to undergo significant lifestyle changes, and caregivers, partners, families, friends and other loved ones may share in the hardship of this life-changing disease.

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) recognizes the burden a diagnosis of stomach cancer places on patients and the noticeable absence of Canadian resources available to them. In response, CCSN is proud to announce the launch of The Stomach Cancer Portal, an online portal recognizing and addressing the experience of gastric and esophageal cancers, whether in its early or more advanced stages:  Stomach Cancer Portal.

"It is critically important to address the information and support needs of stomach cancer patients,” says Jackie Manthorne, President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. "We know that stomach cancer includes many practical decisions and adjustments during and after treatment, and these changes can impact the entire family. So we wanted to provide patients and families with a place to find reliable information and a place to connect to help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with a stomach cancer diagnosis.”

About the Portal

The Stomach Cancer Family Portal provides a trusted and accurate source on gastric and esophageal cancer information – and connection. The sections in the portal centralizes information on diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer, provides information and resources on financial planning, all while imparting essential links and resources to websites, blogs and other materials specific to Canadian patients.

The portal also includes:

·         Links to blogs and websites related to survivorship 

·         Nutritional information for pre and post-gastrectomy

·         Financial information and resources

·         Stomach cancer organizations and news

In addition to the Stomach Cancer Family Portal, CCSN has established a unique Twitter page, which can be accessed @stomachcancerca

 

About Stomach Cancer in Canada

It is estimated that in 2014 [1]:

·         3, 300 Canadians will be diagnosed with stomach cancer

·         2,100 men will be diagnosed with stomach cancer and 1,300 will die from it.

·         1,200 women will be diagnosed with stomach cancer and 790 will die from it.

Incidence rates of stomach cancer continue to decline in both males (2.3% per year) and females (1.3% per year). Current rates are about half of what they were in 1985. This decline may be due to long-term improvements in diets and decreases in smoking and heavy alcohol use. The declining incidence rates of stomach cancer may also be related to the more recent recognition and treatment of infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, an important risk factor for stomach cancer [2].

 

About Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN)

CCSN is an organization committed to developing public policy on cancer issues and increasing advocacy for optimal cancer care and follow-up. CCSN works to connect patients, survivors and other stakeholder groups with decision makers and the wider community to engage in discussion and to act on evidence-based best practices to alleviate the medical, emotional, financial and social costs of cancer and encourage research on ways to overcome barriers to optimal cancer care and follow-up for survivors in Canada.

-30-

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:                          

Jackie Manthorne                                                                                           
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
613-898-1871
jmanthorne@survivornet.ca

[1] "Stomach Cancer Statistics." Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Society, 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.
[2] Canadian Cancer Society's Advisory Committee on Cancer Statistics. (2014). Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society.