ASCO, Conquer Cancer Foundation, and LIVESTRONG collaborate on new e-learning tools

January 2011 issue: Why Focus Under Forty? Cancers that affect individuals between the ages of 15 and 39 are unique. Because many caregivers are unaware of the types of cancer and the distinct biological differences that are associated with this group, many go undiagnosed or are delayed in diagnosis, thus affecting treatment and survival. “Adolescent and young adult (AYA ) patients seem to be in a sort of no-man’s land, halfway between the two different worlds of pediatric and adult medical oncology and bearing the brunt, in terms of inclusion in clinical trials and quality of professional care, of the lack of integration between these two worlds,” according to Andrea Ferrari, MD, et al., in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) article “Starting an Adolescent and Young Adult Program: Some Success Stories and Some Obstacles to Overcome” (Ferrari A, Thomas D, Franklin AR, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2010;May 17. [Epub ahead of print]).

In response to this limited understanding about the special treatment and supportive care needed by this patient population, ASCO and the Conquer Cancer Foundation (formerly known as The ASCO Cancer Foundation^®) are partnering with LIVESTRONG to offer online learning opportunities that address three primary areas of need: 

1. General Cancer and Supportive Care Principles for Patients Ages 15-39
   Four modules that provide a patient-centric focus to frame the issues and expert commentary to discuss care strategies and identify resources
   
   Two modules in this series are currently available: Cancer Care for Patients Ages 15-39 and Supportive Care Issues; all others will be available by May 2011.
2. Fertility and Preservation Issues
   Two case-based modules with interactive decision-branching technology to enhance the learner experience; available May 2011.
   
   
3. The Continuum of Cancer Care
   A live webinar and online module that focus on the roles of primary care providers and cancer specialists across the cancer spectrum; webinar available January 2011, module available February 2011.

All the activities will be hosted on ASCO University^®, which provides easy online access and allows users to participate on their own schedule. CME credit is available. To access this content, visit university.asco.org/focusunder40. 

Focus Under Forty Planning Group Strategic oversight for this collaborative project is provided by a Planning Group comprised of representatives from the oncology subspecialties, primary care, and cancer survivors: David Robert Freyer, MD Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Brandon M. Hayes-Lattin, MD Oregon Health and Science University Daniel Joseph Indelicato, MD University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD Harvard Medical School Joyce Reincke, JD Fertile Hope, a national LIVESTRONG initiative Nita Seibel, MD National Cancer Institute Jamie H. Von Roenn, MD Northwestern University