Monday 2 July 2007
A new edition CD-ROM will provide A Breath of Fresh Air for patients experiencing breathlessness. The disk, on the management of breathlessness in advanced lung cancer, is being launched today by The Institute of Cancer Research.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK; more than 37,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year and more than 33,000 people die.
A Breath of Fresh Air: An Interactive Guide to Managing Breathlessness in Patients with Lung Cancer 2nd Edition will be available free of charge to healthcare professionals who work with people with breathlessness.
It is based on pioneering work into the management of breathlessness carried out at The Institute of Cancer Research. Complementing existing medical strategies, the CD-ROM presents an integrated approach where the emotional experience of breathlessness is considered inseparable from its physical symptoms. The approach uses psychological and behavioural elements that have been shown to significantly improve the ability of patients to cope with breathlessness.
Feedback on the 1st edition showed that the programme is also being used with patients with breathlessness due to conditions other than lung cancer, such as heart disease, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While the medical management of these conditions differs, the practical elements of the approach, such as breathing retraining, can be applied to breathlessness of any cause.
The programme has been developed by The Institute of Cancer Research’s Interactive Education Unit. It was produced in collaboration with staff in the Macmillan Practice Development Unit, which relocated from The Institute of Cancer Research to the University of Southampton in 2002, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
The 1st edition of the CD-ROM was launched in 2001 and has been distributed to nearly 17,000 healthcare professionals worldwide. The 2nd edition incorporates new information and addresses feedback received from users of the 1st edition. It also features enhanced functionality and a revised look and feel.
The 2nd edition CD-ROM is generously funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the Marks & Spencer Community Involvement Fund, CHK Charities Limited, the Joseph Levy Charitable Foundation and The Institute of Cancer Research. The 1st edition was supported by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund Project at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Catherine Dunbar, Manager of the Interactive Education Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research, said: “Breathlessness is a common problem for people with advanced lung cancer and can cause significant discomfort for patients. This CD-ROM aims to help alleviate this through a variety of methods such as breathing retraining, activity pacing and relaxation strategies, which complement existing medical techniques. It also features resources including relaxation scripts and booklets that can be used with patients.”
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For further information please contact:
Sushila Snell
The Institute of Cancer Research
0207 153 5380
[email protected]
Free copies of A Breath of Fresh Air: An Interactive Guide to Managing Breathlessness in Patients with Lung Cancer 2nd Edition are available to healthcare professionals who work with people with breathlessness and can be obtained by calling the dedicated order line number on:
0800 917 7263
Any queries on the CD-ROM should be directed to:
Catherine Dunbar
Manager of the IEU
020 8722 4371 or 020 7153 5202
[email protected]
Notes to editors:
- The award-winning Interactive Education Unit (IEU) is part of The Institute’s Academic Services. The IEU promotes and disseminates the educational, research and clinical activities of The Institute, in order to improve the treatment, care and quality of life for people with cancer. Website at www.ieu.icr.ac.uk.
- The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe’s leading cancer research centre with expert scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Website at: www.icr.ac.uk.
- The Institute is a charity that relies on voluntary income. The Institute is one of the world’s most cost-effective major cancer research organisations with over 90p in every £ directly supporting research.