We want to hear from YOU about what online cancer resources, and other technology you’ve used to help you manage your cancer care and treatment or steps you might have taken to help you or your loved one better manage your or their health. Your stories have probably motivated those close to you and we want to make sure that they can help to inspire others to make the most of the information and tools available to make sure they get the best care—the care that is right for them.

Cancer Care Video Challenge

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are launching a new Cancer Care Video Challenge, inviting cancer patients, survivors, their families and friends to share their stories about how using technology has helped them manage their cancer care.

We know that using online cancer resources, tools, and information can make a huge difference. In the case of Dave deBronkart (“e-Patient Dave”), the difference truly was between life and death. Dave’s online research revealed an innovative treatment that ended up saving his life. Suleika Jaouad , diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in her 20s, also went online to research her diagnosis. She was surprised to learn that a treatment she was scheduled to receive would make her infertile, so she took measures to make sure she could still have kids one day.

Cancer is Complex. Tools Can Help.

Cancer is one of the most complex medical conditions to prevent, treat, and manage. The median number of physicians encountered by a cancer patient is 32. Fortunately, there are many tools available to cancer patients, survivors, and their family and friends to help navigate living with or transitioning from cancer treatment to survivorship. Tools include mobile apps and online cancer resources such as informational web sites, online patient communities, clinical trial search, and others.

• Technology, such as personal health records and apps like Circle of Sharing , can store vital health information online and enable sharing it with a network of doctors and other individuals involved in care.
• Online cancer resources such as Cancer.gov can provide vital information about various types of cancer, treatments, and coping information.
• Online health communities, such as Breastcancer.org  and ACOR, help people find others who may share their own personal experience or provide social support to assist with lifestyle changes associated with the condition.
• Tools like Dory can help cancer patients and their families find the latest clinical trials.
  

Share Your Story. Inspire Other Cancer Patients and Survivors.

Finding high-quality tools that meet your needs among the thousands of apps, websites, and devices can be hard. That’s why we want to hear from you about what problems you have had to grapple with and what tools, sites, and other technology you used to help yourself or your loved ones with care and treatment. We encourage you to accept the challenge, share your story, and help motivate and inspire others!

Enter to Win or Spread the Word to Encourage Others

The deadline is December 21! To enter, you don’t need highly specialized equipment—a standard video recorder or phone with a video function will work.

Winners will receive cash prizes, including $3,000 for first place! If you win, your story could appear on HealthIT.gov alongside other personal stories. For inspiration, check out the winning videos on HealthIT.gov.

To learn more and register, visit http://CancerCare.Challenge.gov.

Remember to submit your video by December 21. And please help us spread the word about the contest! Share this blog post or use hashtag #HealthIT4Cancer. We appreciate your support, and good luck to all contestants!

For more information on health information technology, visit HealthIT.gov.