Many people living with cancer are researching their illnesses online. In fact, research has shown that patients who use the Internet consider it a more useful source of information as compared with other media. Further, patients' Internet use can encourage active communication with their physicians. These are the reasons why, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is making available a new comprehensive Web site called MyCMLCare.com for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and their caregivers. MyCMLCare.com provides information about a range of topics on CML, including symptoms, recommended treatment goals, tests, treatment side effects and resources to cope with the disease. MyCMLCare.com also provides downloadable informational materials for those impacted by this disease.
"As a patient with CML, I am always interested in online resources that can provide more information about this disease," said Robert Roy, who is living with CML. "I would urge patients and caregivers to log on to MyCMLCare.com for more information because it can encourage better communication between patients and their doctors."
Some of the educational components and downloadable features on the site include:
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"Learn About CML" - Presents a background of the disease, its phases and symptoms, in addition to available treatment options.
"Treatment Milestones Tracker" - Enables doctors and patients to understand the recommended time-points for achieving responses to CML treatment.
"Questions to Ask Your Doctor" - Includes a series of questions that patients may want to ask their doctor(s) to help them better understand their CML care.
CML is a slow-growing type of leukemia in which the body produces an uncontrolled number of abnormal white blood cells. According to the most recent statistics, about 21,500 people are living with the disease in the United States. It is estimated that 4,830 new cases were diagnosed in 2008. CML occurs when pieces of two different chromosomes break off and attach to each other. The new chromosome is called the Philadelphia-positive chromosome, which contains an abnormal gene called BCR-ABL that signals cells to make too many white blood cells. There is no known cause for the genetic change that causes CML. MyCMLCare.com was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. For more information, visit www.bms.com.