Cancer

Chemotherapy

Preventing the unwelcome side effects of chemotherapy
Cancer experts help patients improve their chemotherapy experience with national workshop series

Preventing the unwelcome side effects of chemotherapy

(ARA) - A cancer diagnosis—whether it's yours or a loved one's—can be one of the most frightening moments in life. Most people faced with cancer feel anxiety and fear about the disease itself, but also about the possible side effects of chemotherapy.

Nearly 5,000 oncology nurses gathered recently at the Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS) 33rd Annual Congress with the goal of improving cancer care. A survey conducted at the meeting found that an alarming 56 percent of oncology nurses report having had to stop or delay their patients' treatment because of chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting (CINV) and they identify it as one of the most important factors, after fatigue, that affect cancer patients' quality of life.

"Oncology nurses are on the front lines, providing education and support to help patients manage cancer diagnoses and treatment," says Barbara Rogers, adult hematology-oncology nurse practitioner at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. "This survey shows that as oncology nurses, we need to adopt a zero tolerance policy to manage the nausea and vomiting that affect our patients' lives."

Everyone reacts differently to chemotherapy, but certain factors make it more likely that a patient will experience CINV. People most at risk for developing CINV include those under the age of 50, female patients, and those who receive higher doses of chemotherapy.

The good news is that while about 8 out of every 10 people treated with chemotherapy will experience nausea and vomiting, medicines are available to control it. When these medicines are used correctly, nausea and vomiting can be prevented in the majority of people. But if left untreated, CINV can affect your ability to eat and drink, and can make you tired and weak. Even a mild upset stomach can be the first sign of more serious nausea that medication can help prevent.

Studies have shown that both doctors and nurses tend to underestimate the incidence of CINV. According to the ONS survey, one reason may be that one-third of nurses say their patients never, or only sometimes, communicate with them openly about their experiences with nausea and vomiting, because they do not want to complain (35 percent), they expect to suffer (28 percent), and they do not think that anything can be done about these side effects (18 percent).

"Communication is the most important factor when dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy. It's critical to let your health care team know what side effects you're having and whether or not the treatments you're on are working," says Rogers. "Many factors can contribute to feeling nauseous and sick during chemo, so maintaining an ongoing dialogue with your doctor or nurse can really help."

Several types of treatment are available for CINV. Your doctor will consider the type of chemotherapy you're going to have and the features of the anti-nausea drug itself, including

• how well it works
• its potential for side effects
• how easy it is to take
• how long it provides relief

In addition to anti-nausea medicines, the following tips may also help prevent nausea and vomiting.

• Eat a light meal a few hours before your chemotherapy treatment.
• After treatment, eat small meals more often instead of large meals less often.
• Eat what sounds good to you, but try to avoid sweet, fried or fatty foods.
• Drink lots of fluids. Try cool drinks like water, unsweetened fruit juices, or tea.
• Pay attention to the smells that cause you to feel nauseous and try to avoid them.
• Stay comfortable. Rest after eating (but don't lie flat for a couple of hours), and wear loose-fitting clothing.

These are suggestions, and they won't replace the need for anti-nausea medicines. It's important to discuss all treatments in detail with your healthcare team.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Cancer experts help patients improve their chemotherapy experience with national workshop series

(ARA) - Each year, more than one million cancer patients undergo chemotherapy treatment to improve their survival rates. But because chemotherapy does not differentiate between cells with cancer and those without, healthy cells are also killed during treatment. This can result in side effects that are debilitating and sometimes dangerous. Chemotherapy side effects can make performing everyday activities, such as working, running errands and cleaning the house very challenging.

Having updated information about advances in treatment and side effects is the best way to effectively manage one's chemotherapy experience. CancerCare has launched a free monthly telephone workshop that focuses on important cancer treatment topics. This national education series can help patients learn how to continue their daily activities and ultimately improve their quality of life.

"The crisis of being diagnosed with cancer and facing chemotherapy treatment can be overwhelming for patients as well as their families and caregivers," says Diane Blum, MSW, executive director of CancerCare. "The comprehensive workshop series will provide helpful tips to cancer patients and their loved ones, giving them the communication tools to improve the quality of their care."

Not surprisingly, people who communicate openly with their health care professional about cancer topics are more knowledgeable than patients who do not hold discussions. For example, a recent Harris Interactive survey of more than 500 cancer patients found that 81 percent of patients who discussed cancer topics with their physician understood the impact of low white blood cell count, a serious side effect of chemotherapy that impairs the body's ability to fight off infections. However, of patients who did not have a discussion with their physician, only 29 percent understood the impact of low white blood cell count.

The monthly telephone workshop series, called "Improving Your Chemotherapy Experience," will help cancer patients and their caregivers understand and manage the side effects of chemotherapy treatment in order to maintain the best lifestyle possible while living with cancer. Topics include:

• preparing for chemotherapy treatment
• understanding your test results
• discussing treatment options
• communicating with medical experts
• coping with treatment side effects

CancerCare is a national non-profit organization that provides free professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. The "Improving Your Chemotherapy Experience" series is part of CancerCare's free Telephone Education Workshops, known as CancerCare Connect. The workshops bring together thousands of people from across the country to listen to and ask questions of renowned cancer experts by phone. More than 70 workshops each year allow people to participate from the convenience of their home or office—a valuable service to those who may be homebound or who are balancing the added stresses of a cancer diagnosis with work, family and personal needs.

For more information and a full schedule of workshops, visit www.cancercare.org or call (800) 813-HOPE (4673).

Courtesy ARA Content