Updated resource available for Skin, Bladder Cancer patients
 

Newswise — The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has updated its brochures Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer and Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer to include the most up-to-date information for patients who are deciding whether radiation therapy is the best treatment option for them.

Both brochures include more detailed information about the different types of treatment available for these cancers and, more specifically, the different types of radiation therapy available.

Since cancer treatments can be taxing on the body, new sections were added to inform patients on how to best care for themselves while receiving treatment.

Patients will be able to use these brochures to educate themselves on radiation therapy before discussing it as a treatment option with their doctor.

“Deciding on a course of treatment can be a confusing and trying time for a cancer patient,” said Greg Patton, M.D., chair of ASTRO’s Communications Committee and a radiation oncologist at the Rose Quarter Cancer Center in Portland, Ore.

“The more patients educates themselves, the more they will be able to understand the different options that their doctor is presenting to them.

"These brochures are an excellent resource for skin and bladder cancer patients who are looking for more information on radiation therapy.”

According to the American Cancer Society, over 67,000 new cases of bladder cancer, 1 million new cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers, and 59,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in 2007.

These four-color brochures are part of ASTRO’s award-winning public awareness campaign that includes 14 brochures available in English; eight of those also available in Spanish and/or Arabic.

Brochures can be downloaded for free at http://www.RTAnswers.org or purchased in a hard copy version at http://www.astro.org/shop/ for $30 for 50 copies for nonmembers and $25 for 50 copies for members.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with 9,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies.

As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy.