PATIENT RESOURCE MEDICAL EDITOR
AND ACCLAIMED CANCER PHYSICIAN HONORED

Charles M. Balch, M.D. FACS, Leading the Way in Patient Advocacy

KANSAS CITY, MO – Cancer specialists honored one of their own recently – a man who is leading both the national cancer patient advocacy movement and the editorial content of the newly available cancer guide, Patient Resource. Charles M. Balch, M.D. FACS, was awarded the 2007 Special Recognition Award at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.

Balch, a nationally-renown cancer specialist with Johns Hopkins University and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore was honored for his contributions in the fields of melanoma and breast cancer, his extensive service to ASCO and for his influence as a leader in the oncology community.

Balch’s commitment to patient advocacy - the term given to encourage cancer patients to take an active role in learning about their disease in an effort to fight back - is the cornerstone for content provided in the Patient Resource cancer guide.

“I truly believe that an informed and educated cancer patient will find a way to get the best care…..and live better and longer,” says Balch.

Balch has led a distinguished career as a clinical and academic surgical oncologist for the past 25 years. He is widely respected in the oncology community as a leading authority in both melanoma and breast cancer. He has also made significant contributions to laboratory research in tumor immunology.

Dr. Balch is a clinical and academic oncologist at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in the Department of Surgery and the Oncology Center. He is also the author of more than 500 published articles, and was the editor of Cutaneous Melanoma, regarded as the authoritative textbook on malignant melanoma, now in its third edition.

In his new role as medical editor of Patient Resource, Balch has partnered with the cancer guide’s publisher, Linette Atwood, to produce a single-source, comprehensive resource of cancer treatment centers, strategies, advice and hope. The 128-page directory is available in more than 6,000 cancer clinics and doctor’s offices around the country, free of charge.

“This is a first in the world of cancer,” says Balch. “The directory answers many of the complex questions a cancer patient has after hearing their diagnosis. It presents thorough, reliable information during the toughest health challenge of your life.”

Specifically, Patient Resource provides vitally needed information including:

• The importance of choosing the correct initial treatment
• How to find the best treatment facilities in the United States
• How to locate the top specialists for individual types of cancer
• The importance of getting a second and even a third opinion
• How to locate and participate in clinical drug trials
• How to manage financial issues, including the insurance maze
• Inspiring cancer survivor stories that offer insight, encouragement and hope

With more than 1,400 cancer treatment facilities in the United States, Patient Resource lists them with contact information for each, including phone numbers, city, state and Web sites. This cross-reference allows patients and their families to focus their search specific to their own cancer type and region, thus saving valuable time. The guide also explains the differences between National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American College of Surgeons (ACS) designated cancer centers. The upcoming 2008 edition will also include content on cancer prevention tips for family and friends.

“Don’t take a ‘wait and see’ attitude when it comes to your health and well-being,” says Balch. “Take the steps now to educate yourself and learn what’s available to you. It could save your life.”

The 2007 edition may also be ordered at www.patientresource.net and at www.Amazon.com.

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please email Betsy Donnelly at BDonnelly@PatientResource.net or call 913.236.7757.