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Cancer Patients Uninformed About Their Treatment Options

New research reveals cancer patients are not informed of all the treatment options as they begin their long road to recovery.
Health, Technology - 30 March 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr Alexandra Stewart, an expert in brachytherapy and Anthony McKenna, a brachytherapy patient| Login to Download

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Four in 10 cancer patients have some type of radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. However, new research shows that 75% of them have never heard of brachytherapy, which is an effective form of radiotherapy that reduces damage to healthy tissue, shortening treatment and recovery time for cancer sufferers. Of those who are aware of brachytherapy, only one in four have ever been offered the treatment.

Women in particular are unaware that brachytherapy is a highly effective treatment for breast and gynaecological cancers because it is often associated as a treatment for men with prostate cancer. In fact, only a quarter of cancer patients had heard about brachytherapy and less than one in 10 of those who knew of the treatment were women, compared to four in 10 men.

Latest figures show that more than one in four people die from cancer and it accounted for 30 per cent of all male deaths and 25 per cent of all female deaths. A new campaign ‘Because Life is for Living’ launching today, is aiming to help and educate patients and their families about making informed treatment choices.

. Introduction:

With people living longer, more of us are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before. Knowing the different treatment options that are available is a crucial part of helping both patients and their families make informed decisions. 75% of cancer patients have never heard of brachytherapy, which is an effective type of radiotherapy. The precise delivery of radiation reduces the risk of unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs, which can help reduce both side effects and treatment time, allowing patients to quickly return to their daily lives.

So why are so many unaware of brachytherapy?

Joining us in the studio is Dr Alexandra Stewart who is an expert in brachytherapy, and Anthony McKenna (also known as Mac) who has received brachytherapy to successfully treat prostate cancer.

. Suggested Questions:

How many people in our area have been newly diagnosed with cancer?

Why are so many cancer patients especially women unaware of brachytherapy?

How does brachytherapy work and what results has it had and what types of cancer can brachytherapy help treat?

Why is it important for patients to have a better understanding of the range of treatment options available to them?

What is the ‘Because Life is for Living’ campaign aiming to achieve?

Where can we find more information?