Updated Cancer Support Resources Available from NCCN and ACS; Learn How to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting - Common Cancer Treatment Side Effects.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

JENKINTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2004

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society collaborated to update Nausea and Vomiting 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 the treatment of cancer and associated side effects.

"The nausea and vomiting which may be associated with cancer and its treatments can, at times, be overwhelming to patients," said William T. McGivney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. "Our goal in updating this booklet is to provide patients and their families with the most current information they need to work with their health care team to prevent and to treat nausea and vomiting."

Cancer treatment-related vomiting can be successfully treated or even prevented in most patients. By maintaining open communication between the patient and the physician, anti-vomiting medication can be adjusted to control this unpleasant symptom. Because some chemotherapy regimens may cause delayed vomiting, it is important that patients talk with their physicians about the specific regimens they are receiving and how long to take the anti-nausea medications.

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.

"Nausea and vomiting are two of the many feared side effects of cancer treatment," said Ralph B. Vance, MD, FACP, national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society. "Cancer patients and their families now have the reliable, specific, and easy-to-understand information they need to make timely and well-informed decisions about this critical health care issue."

Other available Treatment Guidelines for Patients include: breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder cancer, cancer pain management, fatigue and anemia, and fever and neutropenia. Most guidelines are also available in Spanish. The 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 14 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.