How to Learn About New Technologies in Chemotherapy

Scientists continually develop new technologies to fight cancer. Follow these steps to learn about the latest advancements in chemotherapy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Learn About Cancer and Chemotherapy

1. Visit the Web site of the National Cancer Institute (see Resources below). This Web site provides extensive information on cancer and its treatments and often publishes information on the latest cancer fighting research and technology. It also provides helpful information on topics such as life after cancer treatment.

2. Visit the Web site of the American Cancer Society (see Resources below). This organization does many things, including act as an advocate for cancer patients. The Web site frequently posts information on new technologies used in the fight against cancer.

3. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist for information on what to eat during chemotherapy. New research on the effects of diet on health is constantly being published, and some of it may help you design a healthy eating plan during and after chemotherapy.

Investigate Clinical Trials

4. Go to the home page of the National Cancer Institute and click on "Clinical Trials" to find information on new technologies in chemotherapy.

5. Get recommendations from your doctor about clinical trials. Ask him whether any of them would be right for you.

6. Understand that the target population for many clinical trials is relatively small. Your particular type or stage of cancer may make you ineligible for current clinical trials. However, existing treatments for your type of cancer may already have proven quite effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your oncologist about the latest technologies in chemotherapy. As a practicing professional, your oncologist will often have new information not available on Web sites or in print.
• The newest technologies in chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment are often available through clinical trials. If you decide to participate in a clinical trial, you have the right to understand the potential risks and benefits of the new therapy and to give informed consent.
• If you or someone you know is about to undergo chemotherapy, join a support group for cancer survivors and current cancer patients. You can learn about chemotherapy from others that have experienced it, and you can talk about your feelings. Having someone to talk to is an important part of coping psychologically with cancer and its treatments.

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