The company won a prize of US$50,000 (approximately RMB 340,000) in the C3 Prize, which was sponsored by pharmaceutical company Astellas Oncology at the annual meeting of the European Society of Oncology in Copenhagen, Denmark. Diane Joori from Oncomfort, a Brussels-based person from Belgium, will share 100,000 U.S. dollars (about 670,000 yuan) in bonuses with three other C3 winners.
Oncomfort wins an award for helping cancer patients manage anxiety through virtual reality apps
Oncomfort, located in Houston, Texas, USA, invented a virtual reality app that helps patients manage anxiety throughout the chemotherapy period.
VR helps treat anxiety disorders
Jooris said in a statement, “When I took care of my sister Mathilde, I saw how difficult it was for her to manage her own pressure within a few weeks of breast cancer treatment. Continuing stress led to extreme anxiety and helplessness, which made her wonder whether the treatment process was worthwhile.Oncomfort uses virtual reality technology to help patients with stress management skills training, provide them with easy-to-understand information, help them feel more With control, calmness and comfort."
The winners of the awards were selected from among the five final candidates who presented their ideas to the judging panel on the spot at the medical technology conference. Robert Herjavec is a member of the judging panel. He is an entrepreneur and star of the Emmy-awarded TV show Shark Tank.
Mark Reisenauer, senior vice president of oncology at Astellas, said: “With the increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer worldwide, the need for innovative tools and resources for cancer patients and those who want them to live better It is also getting bigger. The C3 award recognizes outstanding ideas and solutions from people who can recognize the challenges faced by patients and caregivers."
Another award of $25,000 (approximately RMB170,000) was awarded to Mark Harrison, CEO of the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Corporation, which is based in Melbourne, Australia, and its online interactive system Prostmate to the prostate in rural areas. Cancer patients provide contact with the medical community. The third $25,000 prize was awarded to Larry Pederson, a founder and director of Litebook, based in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company developed a phototherapy device that allows patients in the treatment process to reduce fatigue and improve Their quality of life.
Herjavec said in a statement, “In my personal experience, I can say that all these ideas have solved the needs of cancer patients and their loved ones.†Herjavec's mother died of ovarian cancer in 2007 and he served as a caregiver. His experience allowed him to board the C3 award podium with Astellas Oncology. "From the professional experience, I also understand the power and influence that technology can have in improving the quality of life."
More than 100 participants submitted personal ideas to the C3 Awards.