Project: Internet Facilitated Decision Making for Prostate Cancer

Health Infostructure Support Program

Background

Carcinoma of the prostate is the most common cancer in men. The incidence and mortality of the disease has rapidly increased over the past ten years. Evidence suggest that the increase is in part due to an aging population, decreased mortality from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a diagnostic tool. There is some controversy in treatment for prostate cancer as to whether the treatment should be aggressive or deferred since prostate tumours tend to be slow growing and indolent. Information for treatment decisions of prostate cancer is a necessity.

Project Description

The project will develop a web site to provide comprehensive information regarding prostate cancer including the history, epidemiology, treatment options and outcomes for the disease, to physicians and patients. Input to the site will be from urologists (initially in Nova Scotia), patients and cancer agencies. Patients will be able to enter tumour characteristics and answer a brief questionnaire regarding their personal situation. The site will use a proven computer program to contribute to decisions regarding the type of therapy required.

Project Funding under HISP: $57,810.00

Project Management: Dalhousie University

For further information contact:

Dr. David G. Bell
Department of Urology
Dalhousie University
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre
1278 Tower Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 2Y9
Tel: (902) 473-6570
Fax: (902) 492-2437
bellurol@is.dal.ca