Medicine X Launches Story To Educate Cancer Patients

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicine X, a team of doctors and artists explaining complicated medical conditions through storytelling, announced the launch of its fourth medical story, 'Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Xplained,' surrounding the month of September—Blood Cancer Awareness Month.  

'ALL Xplained' provides education, support and awareness in a digestible and entertaining format, relatable and accessible to all patients. The 'ALL Xplained' app can be found on iTunes or Google Play and can be accessed on all web browsers at www.allxplained.com.

The narrative is told from the perspective of Charles Linguist, a 47-year-old male diagnosed with ALL in February 2015, who begins experiencing severe, unexplained back pain. In the animated story, Charles 'xplains' to readers the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment options and lifestyle changes that they should expect after receiving an ALL diagnosis.

"When I was first diagnosed, my doctor warned me not to google ALL, and of course, I did. Much of the information online was extremely overwhelming and confusing," Charles states. " I think the storytelling approach works because it provides a two way street of communication: I put time and energy into telling my story, and the person reading puts time and energy into listening to my story—overall we benefit from each other."

In an effort to bring attention to Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Medicine X partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer, to help those diagnosed with ALL and other types of blood cancers.

LLS worked with Medicine X to review the content for the story and will post links to the animation from several pages on its website, including its ALL Information and Education Resources pages. LLS will also distribute flash drives containing the animation at its in-person education programs and conferences, and send to patients and caregivers who contact LLS's Information Resource Center.

"Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a very complex disease and Medicine X has developed a novel way of communicating complicated information in an accessible and understandable way," said Gwen Nichols, M.D., LLS chief medical officer. "LLS is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate on this important initiative to help patients understand their diagnosis so they can get appropriate care and treatment."

Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair, founder and president of Medicine X, explains the purpose of creating the ALL story and app:

"We want to empower patients with ALL so that they can receive accurate information concerning the medical basis of the condition.  Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a very complicated medical problem, so our aim is to explain it to people in a way they can fully understand.  This will empower families to become more involved in their medical decision-making process," says Dr. Chilman-Blair.   

Dr. Chilman-Blair believes storytelling is the most effective way for patients to fully understand their medical journeys. "Between 40-80% of all patients immediately forget medical information given to them by doctors. Through creating ALL Xplained, we hope to change this statistic," says Dr. Chilman-Blair.

It is estimated that 1,400 people die from ALL every year. By providing people with ALL Xplained, Medicine X hopes to encourage patients to ask their doctors more information to enable early detection and better treatment paths.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

About Medicine X
Medicine X is a team of doctors and artists dedicated to creating accessible and easily-digestible medical information for all patients, through interactive illustrations. We believe everyone should be educated and empowered in order to take part in their own medical decisions, regardless of age, gender, culture or condition. Medicine X continues dedicating its resources to help its global audience fully understand medical conditions. For more information on Medicine X and their latest project, please visit: www.medicinex.com or www.allxplained.com.

SOURCE Medicine X

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