Survey: Most Cancer Patients Want To Treat Cancer Aggressively But Fear Side Effects Of Chemotherapy (NAPSA)—According to a new survey of approximately 300 cancer chemotherapy patients, 89 percent reported that they feel the best way to overcome canceris to treat it aggressively and take control of their treatment. However, 62 percent of the patients surveyed believe that someof the side effects of chemotherapy can be as lifethreatening as the canceritself. Recent medical research shows that treating certain cancers more ageressively can result in better survival outcomes. If patients are too scared of chemotherapy side effects, they may not get optimum treatment and might not give themselves the best chance of recovery. Rob Lowe, a national spokesper- ye ri son for By My Side”, announced Rob Lowefelt his father (left) could have benefitted from an educational program about chemotherapy. the country to help cancer patients loss and anemia. But we didn’t know, for example, that it could weaken the immune system and the introduction of Improving the Chemotherapy Experience” Town Meetings which will roll out across and their caregivers understand the latest trends in chemotherapy, side effects and how to make informed decisions about their cancer treatment. Hearing a diagnosis of canceris so shocking and overwhelming that the majority of patients surveyed (71 percent) are unable to clearly recall the conversation with their doctors or healthcare professionals. The town meetings were created to give cancer patients access to treatment information, as well as a forum for asking ques- tions they may have wanted to ask their doctors. “We knew that chemotherapy had side effects like nausea, hair cause life-threatening infections. My dad developed an infection and had to temporarily stop his chemotherapy. We could have ben- efited from an educational pro- cram like By My Side,” said Lowe. “Today, there are things you can do to protect yourself from serious side effects like infection. Listening to physicians and other patients living with cancer may help prepare patients for what to expect from treatment.” Anyone can visit www.ByMy Side.com or call 866-BY-MY-SIDE (866-296-9743) for free information and to learn more about the town meetings in communities across the country.
