March 15, 2002

In This Issue: 
Drug Discount Cards, More On Colon Cancer Month, Mind-Body Medicine, Pain Management, Paint Exposure

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THE LATEST NEWS 

Drug Manufacturer Discount Cards for ''Most Needy Seniors''

Get Screened For Colon Cancer, US Officials Urge

Family History Of Colon Cancer? Folate May Help

On-The-Job Paint Exposure Ups Cancer Risk: Study

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INCREASING ACCESS TO PAIN TREATMENT 

The American Association of Cancer Pain Initiatives wants to improve doctors' skills in resolving cancer pain and to reduce institutional and regulatory barriers to the treatment of cancer pain. Studies have found physicians don't always prescribe optimal pain treatments due to legal and policy issues among other factors. Their conference June 13-15, 2002 in Richmond, VA, features physicians and lawyers addressing the best pain relief available to cancer patients, legal and ethical mandate for improved pain management, and the economics of pain management. If you can't make the conference, see their website for a list of state-based programs and other materials on pain management. For example, the website includes a list of pharmaceutical companies providing analgesics for low-income people through Patient Assistance Programs; see eligibility criteria, contact info, and application process. 

www.aacpi.org

Also see the cancerpage.matria.com Pain Center: 
http://cancerpage.matria.com/centers/Pain/

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TRAINING PROGRAM IN ALTERNATIVE AND INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine is convening a week-long training program focused on cancer for professionals as well as patient advocates. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, working with leaders in alternative and integrative medicine, will focus specifically on cancer by including internationally known oncologists, oncology researchers, and cancer counselors. The course covers scientific information on conventional, complementary and alternative therapies and how they can be integrated into cancer care, while incorporating remedies for the mental, emotional and spiritual challenges. The conference will be held August 11-17, in Snowmass Village, Aspen, Colorado. The fee, including program cost and some meals, is $2150.00 if payment in full is received by April 30. http://www.cmbm.org/trainings/icc/icc.html