Reston, Va. - The Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) today launched a new patient-focused Web site, discoverMI.org, to provide patients with information about nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and how it can play a critical role in the detection, treatment and management of diseases.

"Many times patients referred for a nuclear medicine or molecular imaging studies are nervous about what to expect," said George Segall, MD, SNM president. "By providing information and explaining the benefits of the study in an easy to understand format, we can offer them both help and support."

The Web site focuses on three common disease areas-heart disease, cancer and brain disease. For each area, specific types of disease are detailed along with the various nuclear and molecular imaging procedures that are associated with each. General information on molecular imaging, an extensive glossary and a video library are also included on the site. Additionally, patients can stay up to date on the latest in molecular imaging news through Facebook and Twitter pages designed to complement the site.
DiscoverMI.org is supported by several patient advocacy groups that are a part of SNM's Patient Advocacy Advisory Board (PAAB), including the Alzheimer's Association, the American Thyroid Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, the American Heart Association, the Men's Health Network and the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association.

"I am thrilled that this comprehensive resource for patients is now available," commented Betsy de Parry, a member of SNM's PAAB and author of Adventures in Cancer Land. Laurel Pracht, SNM PAAB member and patient advocate for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance added, "As a patient, it is critical to have access to user-friendly information about what is available for someone with your disease. The Web site provides information about both what is currently available in molecular imaging and how it may affect you."

Over 16 million Americans undergo nuclear and molecular imaging and therapy procedures each year for a variety of conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions and other physiological problems. Nuclear and molecular imaging procedures are an invaluable way to gather medical information that would otherwise be unavailable, require surgery or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests.

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About SNM-Advancing Molecular Imaging and Therapy

SNM is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about what molecular imaging is and how it can help provide patients with the best health care possible. SNM members specialize in molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated.

SNM's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snm.org.

Media Contact:
Susan Martonik
(703) 652-6773
smartonik@snm.org

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