Newswise — ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Five additional studies to be presented at the 2012 Quality Care Symposium provide insight on how oncology practices can improve the quality of care they provide. The Symposium will take place November 30 – December 1, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.

Note to Media: Statements from ASCO Communications Committee Member, Jyoti Patel, MD, can be cited throughout can be used in part or in their entirety.

Abstract #69Rates of diagnostic imaging in long-term survivors of young adult malignancies

Corinne Daly, BSc, MScInstitute of Medical ScienceUniversity of TorontoTorontoOral Abstract Session AFriday, November 30, 2012, 10:50-11:00 AM PSTManchester Grand Hyatt, Douglas Pavilion B

“For the past several years, clinical practice guidelines have recommended decreasing the amount of surveillance in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Unfortunately, we are still seeing overuse of diagnostic imaging, which is associated with increased anxiety about test results and unnecessary radiation exposure. To mitigate this problem, we are educating internists ,general physicians, and patients about overuse of scans.”

- Jyoti Patel, MD, ASCO Cancer Communications Committee

Abstract #73Rational use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as determined by radiation oncologists in cooperation with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA)

Harvey J. Mamon, MD, PhDDana-Farber Cancer InstituteBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonOral Abstract Session BSaturday, December 1, 2012, 11:45-11:55 AM PSTManchester Grand Hyatt, Douglas Pavilion B

“Many hospitals may be using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) unnecessarily. To maximize resources for both the physician and patient, we want to make sure that IMRT is used only when needed. This study provides a model that will help radiation oncologists decide when the use of IMRT is warranted.”

- Jyoti Patel, MD, ASCO Cancer Communications Committee

Abstract #285Data-driven transformation to an oncology patient-centered medical home

John David Sprandio, MDConsultants in Medical Oncology and HematologyDelaware County Memorial HospitalDrexel Hill, Penn.General Session II: Models That Work: Integration across the Spectrum (Part I)Friday, November 30, 2012, 2:10-2:30 PM PSTManchester Grand Hyatt, Douglas Pavilion B

“There is an effort to get electronic medical records (EMRs) into every medical practice, but implementation of EMRs alone does not improve care. Having a patient-centered medical home, such as the one described in this study, would improve the quality of the EMR system as well as its use because it integrates data from specialists and tracks patient care against national guidelines.”

- Jyoti Patel, MD, ASCO Cancer Communications Committee

Abstract #287Improving cancer care by linking community cancer center physicians to disease site-specific experts

Patricia H. Hardenbergh, MDShaw Regional Cancer CenterVail Valley Medical CenterEdwards, Colo.Oral Abstract Session BSaturday, December 1, 2012, 12:05-12:15 PM PSTManchester Grand Hyatt, Douglas Pavilion B

“The online technology described in this study enables community radiation oncologists to discuss cases and review radiation oncology treatment plans with a panel of experts. Those discussions are leading to changes in treatment decisions. In remote and underserved areas, being able to do a telemedicine consult instead of requiring a patient to travel to the practice for an assessment might be very helpful.”

- Jyoti Patel, MD, ASCO Cancer Communications Committee

This study is funded by the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Improving Cancer Care Grant, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Abstract #298Short-term outcomes of implementation of computer-based breast cancer risk assessment program during screening mammography

Debra M. Ray, MDLeon Hess Cancer Center and Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical CenterLong Branch, N.J.General Poster Session BSaturday, December 1, 2012, 12:30-2:00 PM PSTManchester Grand Hyatt, Douglas Pavilion C

“High risk breast cancer screening is very time-consuming and expensive, so we want to make sure that we are targeting the appropriate patients. This study offers a computer-based model for identifying women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer at the point of care – at the time of screening mammography. ”

- Jyoti Patel, MD, ASCO Cancer Communications Committee

Information for Media: www.asco.org/QCSpresskit

Relevant Links on ASCO’s Cancer.Net:

Finding a Treatment FacilityChoosing a DoctorAbout the QOPI® Certification ProgramGuide to Breast CancerThe Genetics of Breast CancerMastectomy – What to KnowCoping With Fear of RecurrenceCoping With UncertaintyAdvanced Cancer Care PlanningPalliative CareEnd-of-Life Care

ATTRIBUTION TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY QUALITY CARE SYMPOSIUM IS REQUESTED IN ALL NEWS COVERAGE.

Funding for this conference was made possible in part by a grant (1 R13 HS021377-01) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Click here to view the disclosures for the 2012 Quality Care Symposium News Planning Team.

About ASCOThe American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation, which funds ground-breaking research and programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of people with cancer. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.

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2012 Quality Care Symposium