Toronto, May 21, 2008 – A breast cancer diagnosis forces an individual into the complex world of the health care system. Faced with new language and challenges ranging from scheduling appointments to navigating treatment options, patients often experience feelings of fear and frustration.

Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada recognizes the need to educate those diagnosed with breast cancer on how to effectively navigate this unchartered territory. With the financial support of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), “Managing Your Cancer Care: A Self-Advocacy Guide for Breast Cancer Patients” (“Managing”) has been added to their Patient Education Series. Created by individuals who have had breast cancer, “Managing” offers practical tips for navigating the health-care process following diagnosis. The guide also helps the reader to take a larger role in their healthcare management.

“GSK is extremely pleased to support Willow as they seek to encourage, educate and empower Canadians impacted by breast cancer,” said Karen Chow, Community Partnerships & Philanthropy, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. “This guide will be an invaluable resource for those seeking to play an active role in attaining optimal care during this process.”

Willow ’s Patient Education Series also includes “Coping with Your Financial Concerns When You Have Breast Cancer” (“Coping”), the first province-specific resource booklet designed to help Canadians navigate the financial challenges associated with breast cancer, and “Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer”.

All guides in Willow’s Patient Education Series are available for download at www.willow.org. Free copies are also available by contacting Willow toll-free at 1.888.778.3100.

 

About Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada:

Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada encourages, educates and empowers all Canadians affected by breast cancer. Willow encourages by providing the opportunity to speak with someone who has personally experienced breast cancer. Willow educates by sharing current and relevant information collected by our health librarian. As a result, Willow empowers those affected by breast cancer to make the best decisions about their treatment and navigate the complex health care system. All of Willow’s programs and services are confidential, free of charge and accessible to individuals across Canada. For more information visit www.willow.org or call 1.888.778.3100.

About GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and health-care companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK is Canada’s largest biopharmaceutical employer, and has been consistently recognized as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. GSK is an Imagine Caring Company and is among the top 15 investors in Canadian research and development, investing more than $178 million in 2007 alone. For company information, please visit www.gsk.ca.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Karen McCullough
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
416.778.6314 x235
kmccullough@willow.org