Blue Note Therapeutics has teamed up with more than 20 patient advocacy organizations and nonprofits to provide COVID-19-related stress and anxiety relief to adults with cancer, according to a company-issued press release.
“Almost everyone with cancer experiences some form of psychological distress, and whether it's anxiety, depression, or other symptoms, it can be harmful to the patient's mental and physical health and impact their treatment progression,” said Blue Note Therapeutics’ CEO Geoffrey Eich in the release. “FDA-approved digital therapeutics have the potential to play a key role in reducing cancer-related distress. Blue Note Therapeutics is committed to working through our strategic partnerships to advance innovation and bring cancer patients novel digital therapeutics specifically designed to address mental health.”
Chronic stress, which patients with cancer may be experiencing at a heightened rate during the COVID-19 pandemic, can negatively impact a patient’s immune system.
In 2020, Blue Note Therapeutics released a digital platform, called COVID Cancer Care, to provide patients with cancer some management tips to help reduce any anxiety or stress they may be experiencing as it is related to the pandemic.
As one mental health expert told CURE® during the first months of the spread of COVID-19, it is extremely important for patients with cancer to focus on their mental health during the pandemic.
COVID Cancer Care, which provides patients with access to cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy, has been accessed by approximately 12,000 people across the United States since it launched in 2020.
One of the organizations that has offered the stress management program to its members is the Cancer Support Community.
“One of our main priorities this year is serving as the go-to resource for cancer patients and their caregivers navigating the logistical and emotional complexities created by the pandemic,” said Cancer Support Community’s CEO Kim Thiboldeaux in the release. “As the demand for our services continues to increase, the collaboration with Blue Note Therapeutics' COVID Cancer Care program has been so valuable in helping to meet specific and immediate mental health needs of the community during this challenging time.”
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