Many primary care physicians are unaware of chemotherapy's long-term side effects that may affect cancer survivors under their care, according to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School and reported by U.S. News & World Report.
More than 1,100 primary care physicians and more than 1,100 oncologists across the country were surveyed in 2009. Both types of physicians were asked to identify the side affects associated with four common chemotherapy drugs for breast and colon cancer.
Researchers found that only 6 percent of primary care physicians were able to identify the long-term side effects of all four drugs, while 65 percent of oncologists were able to do so. Key side effects included heart problems, nerve damage and early menopause.
Michael Link, MD, president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, said the study shows "there is a lot to work to be done" in terms of communication between oncologists and primary care physicians. He also said the findings make a case for electronic medical records, which can more easily provide primary care physicians with a patient's medication history and information on drugs' side effects.
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More than 1,100 primary care physicians and more than 1,100 oncologists across the country were surveyed in 2009. Both types of physicians were asked to identify the side affects associated with four common chemotherapy drugs for breast and colon cancer.
Researchers found that only 6 percent of primary care physicians were able to identify the long-term side effects of all four drugs, while 65 percent of oncologists were able to do so. Key side effects included heart problems, nerve damage and early menopause.
Michael Link, MD, president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, said the study shows "there is a lot to work to be done" in terms of communication between oncologists and primary care physicians. He also said the findings make a case for electronic medical records, which can more easily provide primary care physicians with a patient's medication history and information on drugs' side effects.
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