Cancer Collective Inteligence

Cancer Collective Intelligence

Is an interactive program that helps doctors and patients overcome cancer diagnosis and treatment.

It is based on fictional stories supported by a strong doctor-patient relationship.

The stories are broken down into plot components that show emotional modulation and turning points.



James Fleck, MD, PhD

Full Professor of Clinical Oncology

Department of Internal Medicine

Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

Brazil


João A de Andrade, MD

Professor of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer

Vanderbilt Lung Institute

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, TN – USA 


Fictional stories help you to overcome cancer diagnosis and treatment using a new methodological approach. Multidimensional Integrative medicine supports  doctor-patient relationship, which include physical, emotional, cognitive and social interventions. Human values are emphasized in each vignette, decisively contributing to the fight against cancer. Your participation is very welcome. Go to the home page and sign up. You are then invited to make comments that will contribute to build cancer collective intelligence.

Fictional stories were created from the patient's perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This is illustrated in the first vignette in which a young woman compares her illness with an internal enemy. Describing cancer as an internal enemy is supported by science. The disease natural history starts with subtle changes in the DNA. This is a recurrent and continuous process, leading to an accumulation of structural damages throughout one’s life.  Fortunately, the DNA molecule has repair mechanisms that mitigate those damages, thereby maintaining health. However, these mechanisms may be limited by aging, which increases the susceptibility to cancer. A healthy lifestyle is the most important protective factor. Prevention relies primarily on education and risk factor modification. Smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, physicochemical stressors and certain viral diseases, directly or indirectly damage DNA and should be avoided. Regular and evidence-based screening tests/procedures may lead to early diagnosis, which in turn may increase one’s chances of cure by available interventions. Many of these recommendations will be discussed and illustrated throughout the clinical vignettes, which will cover the most frequent types of cancer. 

Each one of the vignettes will address both the physical and emotional challenges faced by those battling cancer. The methodology will be inclusive, and patient-centered. The physician will be the storyteller, alternating technical information and empathy, aiming to build a strong and personalized relationship with each patient. 

The narrative of each short story will reflect the emotional flow, following a stepwise, problem-solving approach. Supported by a personalized psychological framework, clinical simulations will inspire the patient to build essential attitudes while acquiring the most important skills to better cope with cancer.

We are looking forward to your participation on this new biopsychosocial project - get ready!


® Copyright 2019 Anticancerweb

 James Fleck, MD, PhD: Full Professor of Clinical Oncology at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil 2019

Joao A. de Andrade, MD: Professor of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer, Vanderbilt Lung Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN – USA 2019 (Associate Editor)