Did you know . . . ?

Patients with advanced cancer have a high prevalence of troublesome symptoms: asthenia, 90%; anorexia, 85%; pain, 76%; nausea, 68%; constipation, 65%; mental status alterationssedation, confusion, 60%; and dyspnea, 12%. These data from the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (1993) reflect a lower prevalence of dyspnea than reported in U.S. studies (70%). The American College of Physicians has published a book called Home Care Guide for Cancer: How to Care for Family and Friends at Home that teaches an approach to successful problem solving in home care. For more information, contact the ACP customer service at 1-800-523-1546 ´2600