Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 07 Dec 2011 - 1:00 PST
email to a friend 
printer friendly 
opinions 
Teenagers with cancer often report feelings of isolation, bitterness, confusion, pain, and fear as they struggle through a life-threatening disease before their lives have taken full shape.
Despite these very real challenges, many teens with cancer find their needs unmet. A 2009 study out of Sydney reported that most teens with cancer have an average of 15 unmet needs, which range from basic failings in provided care to unaddressed psychological distress.
"CanTeen's own research shows that the needs of young people who have, or have had cancer, often go unmet. Information, emotional and psychological issues and relationship support are some of the most significant needs that are not met in a timely or appropriate way for these young people."
Claire Treadgold - National Programs and Services Manager, Can Teen Australia
eyeforpharma believes that the pharma industry must pay more attention to patient needs across the board, and that teen cancer patients are a great place to start. To this end, the organization is hosting its first annual Mobile Health Competition. The competition aims to highlight new and exciting mobile apps that help teen cancer patients better manage their conditions and improve their lives.
A 'Global Superpanel' loaded with teenage cancer survivors will choose the winning idea.
"Young cancer patients have a lot to say as well as questions to ask, but struggle to find quality information sources where they can express this. It is even harder to find an innovative platform to visit. I believe a mobile app created exclusively for teenage cancer patients would make their quest for information not just desirable, but also entertaining. As such, the possibilities of this competition are really exciting."
Sarunas Narbutas, 23, living with Chronic Mielogenous Leukemia, board member of ECPC
The Mobile Health Competition is open to people working for pharmaceutical companies, as well as advertising agencies, healthcare organizations, patients themselves and the general public. The winner will receive $5,000 to donate to a cancer charity of their choice, plus the opportunity to work with one of eyeforpharma's partners to bring the idea to fruition. The Teenager Cancer Trust, patientslikeme, LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance, and a host of other charitable, patient, and mobile specialist companies have partnered with eyeforpharma for the competition.
Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust said:
"Teenage Cancer Trust is all about innovation and finding new ways of providing the best possible care, support and information for young people with cancer. We're very excited about how digital channels are opening up a whole new world for the young people we support. We look forward to seeing how entrants can harness the potential of mobile phones for their benefit." To learn more or to submit an idea, visit the Mobile Health Competition website (http://www.mobilehealthcomp.com ). The closing date for submissions is January 3, 2012.
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Source: eyeforpharmaVisit our it / internet / e-mail section for the latest news on this subject. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
MLA
8 Dec. 2011.
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
