For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Teal Sisters Support Each Other and Discuss Treatments on Inspire

For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Teal Sisters Support Each Other and Discuss Treatments on Inspire By Kathleen Hoffman, PhD, MSPH September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), Inspire’s partner, is holding its 2020 National Conference, “Uniting for Hope,” virtually from Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 this year. One of the conference’s popular gatherings is always “Ask the Experts,” Q&A sessions between attendees and specialists. The topics this year include genetic testing, clinical trial participation, and managing recurrence. Another top event is the Teal Takeover Party, where Teal Sisters and their friends get [...]

Understanding information needs during the patient journey: ovarian cancer

Understanding information needs during the patient journey: ovarian cancer By Kathleen Hoffman, PhD While patients see physicians as the primary and most trusted information resource, research indicates that patients with cancer also seek information elsewhere. Reasons for investigating further include 1) verification or double checking, 2) clarifying what they have learned and even obtaining translations of what they have heard from other patients who have “been there,” 3) being directed by one source to query another source1 and for those who reach out to other patients 4) trust and desire for real world experience in managing expectations. [...]