Breast Cancer Patients Benefit From The Improved Support Supplied By Focused Internet Services

A new study in the Journal of Communication reveals that access to an integrated system of internet health resources helps patients more than simply providing a list of URLs to accredited sites.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women and is second leading cause of cancer death among women. Led by David H. Gustafson of University of Wisconsin-Madison, study set out to examine what type of access to internet resources would be expected to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients during these stressful months.

To compare the benefits, 257 breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group, control group, received standard care and was given their choice of excellent book or audio-tape breast cancer resources. The second group was given a computer and provided with a list of high-quality websites about breast cancer and training on internet use. The third group received access to CHESS, an eHealth system with an integrated set of services related to breast cancer, and training on how to use those specific services.

The patients who received list of websites did no better than patients in control group. However, patients in CHESS group fared better on quality of life, perceived social support, and in dealing with health information and healthcare. CHESS provided added benefits beyond those of simply internet.

Access to internet services alone provided patients little or no benefit over standard care. On the other hand, access to CHESS helped patients more than standard care and was greatest nine months after they received access to system, suggesting that CHESS had long term effects on their quality of life.

" Healthcare providers should direct people facing serious illness or injury to a single high-quality website that's comprehensive and regularly updated by objective unbiased experts, " authors conclude. " Patients need to be trained to use websites they're referred to. The sites need to be more inclusive and contain not only information but support services and tools to help patients think through their situation. "

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This study is published in the June 2008 issue of Journal of Communication .

David H. Gustafson is affiliated with University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Journal of Communication is flagship journal of International Communication Association and an essential publication for all communication specialists and policy makers. The Journal of Communication concentrates on communication research, practice, policy, and theory, bringing to its readers the latest, broadest, and most important findings in field of communication studies. This journal also features an extensive book review section and the symposia of selected studies on current issues.

Source: Amy Molnar Wiley-Blackwell

The advises from medical professionals

Understanding Xenical.

Xenical: uses Xenical is used along with a doctor-approved reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior modification program to help significantly overweight ( obese ) persons lose weight. Taking Xenical can also help prevent we from regaining weight we have lost. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, certain breathing problems, and a shorter lifespan.

Dietary fats need to be broken down into smaller pieces before the body can absorb them. Xenical works by blocking enzyme that breaks down fats in your diet. This undigested fat then passes out of your body in your bowel movement. Xenical does not block absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so we still need to restrict your total intake of calories.

Xenical: how to use Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Xenical and each time we get a refill. If we have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Xenical by mouth with liquid sometime during each main meal that contains fat or within 1 hour after meal, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If we occasionally miss a meal or your meal contains no fat, skip that dose of the medication. To decrease chance of unpleasant side effects, it is very important that no more than 30% of the calories in your diet come from fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrate should be evenly spread over 3 main meals.

Because Xenical can interfere with absorption of certain vitamins ( fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K ) , a daily multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients is recommended. Take multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Xenical ( e. g. , at bedtime ) .

If we take cyclosporine, take it at least 2 hours before or after Xenical to make sure the full dose of cyclosporine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

We should see some weight loss within 2 weeks after we start Xenical. Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if it worsens.

Xenical: side effects Changes in your bowel function frequently occur because of the unabsorbed fat. Fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge, a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement right away, increased number of bowel movements, or poor bowel control may occur while use Xenical. These side effects may get worse if we eat more fat than we should. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Xenical because he or she has judged that the benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Xenical don't have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to Xenical is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Xenical: precautions Before taking Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if we have any other allergies.

Xenical shouldn't be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:

Before using Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

If you're diabetic, weight loss may improve your blood sugar control. Be sure to check your blood sugar regularly and tell your doctor results. Your diet or medications may need to be adjusted.

Xenical isn't recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.

It's not known whether Xenical passes into breast milk. Because of possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Xenical: interactions See also How to Use section.

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Do not start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you use, especially of:

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Xenical with worldwide delivery

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