The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has announced plans to translate its extensive library of patient guidelines into Spanish, ensuring wider access to vital cancer care information. The NCCN Foundation, in partnership with the NCCN, is committed to making the entire collection of more than 70 patient-focused books available in Spanish. In addition, select editions will be translated into other languages.
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients are a series of easy-to-understand resources that provide comprehensive information on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. These guidelines are based on the expert recommendations from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, which are regularly updated with the latest evidence-based practices. Health care professionals worldwide rely on these guidelines, and they have earned recognition as a trustworthy and user-friendly source of information for patients.
Currently, at least 20 of the books are available in Spanish, with plans to add more in the near future. The translations are being conducted by professional interpreters with expertise in medical texts, ensuring the accuracy and clarity of the information for non-English speakers. In addition to Spanish, the NCCN has already made patient guidelines available in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Korean, Russian, and more.
Gena Cook, Chair of the NCCN Foundation Board of Directors, said the organisation’s goal is to make sure these critical cancer care resources are accessible to all, including non-English speaking patients in the United States. “Our commitment to translating every patient guideline into Spanish highlights our dedication to ensuring everyone can access high-quality cancer care resources,” she said. “We want to make this essential information available to everyone who needs it, worldwide.”
The need for translations is driven by a significant international audience. In 2023, the patient guidelines were accessed more than 1.4 million times, with a fifth of users located outside the United States. The expanded availability of non-English editions is seen as a critical step in delivering equitable access to cancer care resources globally.
NCCN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Crystal S. Denlinger, highlighted the importance of reaching as many patients as possible. “We are constantly striving to improve how we deliver crucial health guidance and to ensure that everyone, regardless of language or location, can benefit from these resources,” she said. “Expanding the reach of these patient guidelines is essential for improving cancer care outcomes worldwide.”
The NCCN Foundation has received philanthropic support that allows these resources to be offered free of charge. The organisation works with a diverse group of international partners who share a commitment to providing equitable access to cancer care information.
In addition to the guidelines, the NCCN website provides a variety of other resources for cancer patients and their caregivers. These include webinars, suggested questions for healthcare providers, and links to support groups. Printed copies of the patient guidelines are available for a small fee on Amazon, while free downloads can be accessed through the NCCN’s website.
For more information, visit NCCN.org/patientguidelines.
