Cancer Support Resources Available; Learn How to Prevent Fever and Neutropenia - Common Cancer Treatment Side Effects.

Business Editors

ROCKLEDGE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2003

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society worked together to create Fever and Neutropenia Treatment Guidelines for Patients with Cancer. This title is just one of a series, available in booklet form or online (www.nccn.org), that is dedicated to educating patients and their families about cancer. Fever and neutropenia (new-trow-PEEN-ee-ah) are common and potentially serious side effects of cancer therapy. Neutropenia is a decrease in infection-fighting white blood cells.

According to the American Cancer Society, neutropenia is the most common factor that puts people with cancer at risk for infection. Cancer treatment itself is often the cause of neutropenia because chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some immunotherapy can destroy normal blood cells in the body while attacking cancer cells.

Some of the signs people being treated for cancer should watch for are: feeling cold or warm; feeling tired; body aches; feeling confused, dizzy, or weak; or having headaches. The guidelines suggest taking temperature readings four times a day, drinking lots of liquids, getting enough rest, and calling the doctor if temperatures rise above 100.5(degree) F.

"Neutropenia is a treatable condition and signs of it should be reported to your doctor promptly," said Rodger J. Winn, M.D., chairman of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Guidelines Steering Committee. "It is our hope that, by providing patients and doctors with similar resources, the two will work together as a more cohesive health care team."

NCCN Treatment Guidelines for Patients are the result of a collaborative effort between NCCN and the American Cancer Society and are derived directly from the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology developed for physicians by the NCCN. The patient guidelines also provide background information on different types of cancers, their causes, various treatment options, and a glossary of terms. The guidelines provide the most up-to-date information about treatment options and are written in easy to understand language.

"It is critical to treat an infection as quickly as possible, especially at a time when there is neutropenia," said Mary A. Simmonds, MD, FACP, national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society. "These guidelines will help patients know what to look for and when to call their doctor."

Other available Treatment Guidelines for Patients include topics on: breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, cancer pain management, nausea and vomiting, and cancer-related fatigue. Several of the guidelines are also available in Spanish. These materials are available free of charge on NCCN's Web site at www.nccn.org and by calling NCCN toll-free at 1-888-909-NCCN. Materials also are available on the American Cancer Society's Web site at www.cancer.org or by calling 1-800-ACS-2345.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 19 of the world's leading cancer centers, is an authoritative source of information to help patients and health professionals make informed decisions about cancer care. Through the collective expertise of its member institutions, the NCCN develops, updates, and disseminates a complete library of clinical practice guidelines. The NCCN's complete spectrum of programs emphasizes improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice. Programs include: Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Treatment Guidelines for Patients, Oncology Outcomes Database, Clinical Trials Network, educational conferences and symposia for clinicians, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and collaborations with managed care organizations. For more information, visit www.nccn.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 17 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.