Version III of the NCCN Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients is now available for distribution. Originally launched in March 1999, this well-received and widely distributed resource for breast cancer patients has been updated again to reflect changes to the current NCCN Breast Cancer Guidelines. Patients, family members and healthcare providers who use this resource will find more comprehensive information on sentinel lymph node biopsy, a new procedure in which dye or a radioactive substance is injected near the tumor and the first (sentinel) lymph node the dye drains into is removed and biopsied to check for tumor cells. The revised guidelines also include a new algorithm dealing with neoadjuvant therapy; treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy given before surgery to help shrink some breast cancers so that surgical removal can be accomplished with a less extensive operation than would ordinarily be needed. More detailed information regarding radiation treatment after surgery is also included.

As with the previous versions, this valuable resource offers breast cancer patients the reliable, specific, and easy-to-understand information they need to make timely and informed decisions about this critical health issue. Rather than having to consult numerous different sources, a wealth of information is contained in this convenient, clearly written format. In addition to the topics mentioned above, the booklet covers types of breast cancer, stages of the disease, medical decisions and treatment options, important questions for patients to discuss with their doctors, general information about clinical trials, and a glossary of terms commonly used in breast cancer treatment.

The NCCN and ACS are committed to providing patient-friendly guidelines for the ten most common cancers and supportive care issues such as cancer pain and nausea and vomiting. Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients was the first in this series of booklets; Prostate Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients and Colon and Rectal Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients are also available at this time.

The NCCN is an alliance of 18 of the world's leading cancer centers, established in 1995 to provide the state-of-the-art in cancer care to the greatest number of patients in need.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

To obtain free copies of the patient version of the newly updated breast cancer guidelines, contact the National Comprehensive Cancer Network at 1-888-909-NCCN or American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. You may also visit their web sites at www.nccn.org or www.cancer.org. For bulk orders, please contact the American Cancer Society. In addition, the American Cancer Society has Spanish-speaking Cancer Information Specialists available to assist callers around the clock, and can also provide general cancer information in Spanish.