Date

Dear Medical/Health Reporter:

Cancer is a disease that touches many families. More than one million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year. A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for not only the individual, but also for family, friends and loved ones. A natural reaction is to be struck with disbelief and fear when we first learn of a cancer diagnosis. But a critical element of recovery is the patient's mental outlook.

In the fight against cancer, a patient's state of mind can hurt- or help- their body. Depression can make it more difficult for someone to adjust to their diagnosis and participate fully in treatment decisions. Patients may become so disheartened that they refuse to undergo surgery or treatment. As a result they may become even sicker. Studies show that missing as few as 15 percent of chemotherapy appointments results in significantly poorer outcomes.

Treating a patient's mind, as well as their body, goes a long way to winning a life-threatening struggle. A licensed psychologist with experience in cancer treatment can help the patient learn how to cope with the emotional, physical and lifestyle changes they are facing, as well as with medical treatments that can be painful and traumatic. For instance, psychologists can teach patients relaxation exercises, meditation, self-hypnosis, imagery and other skills that can effectively relieve nausea caused by treatments.

As a service to your community, the APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on the subject of coping with cancer. He/She would be able to discuss psychological techniques to increase the motivation to adhere to new behaviors and to facilitate reentry into the real world once treatment has been completed. Your readers can call toll-free 1 (877) 603-4000 for a free brochure called "Straight Talk - Choosing a Psychologist."

APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

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Here is the PSA:

March 2, 2001

Dear Public Service Director:

More than one million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year. A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for not only the individual, but also for friends and loved ones. But a critical element of recovery is the patient's mental outlook. In the fight against cancer, a patient's state of mind can hurt- or help- their body.

Depression, for instance, can make it more difficult for someone to adjust to their diagnosis and participate fully in treatment decisions. Patients may become so disheartened that they refuse to undergo surgery or treatment. As a result they may become even sicker. Studies show that missing as few as 15 percent of chemotherapy appointments results in significantly poorer outcomes.

Treating a patient's mind, as well as their body, goes a long way to winning a life-threatening struggle. A licensed psychologist with experience in cancer treatment can help the patient learn how to cope with the emotional, physical and lifestyle changes they are facing, as well as with medical treatments that can be painful and traumatic. For instance, psychologists can teach patients relaxation exercises, meditation, self-hypnosis, imagery and other skills that can effectively relieve nausea caused by treatments.

We hope that you will run the attached public service announcement during the month of March to reach cancer patients. Your listeners can call toll-free 1-877-603-4000 for a free brochure called "Straight Talk - Choosing a Psychologist."

If you would like to invite a local psychologist to talk with your listeners about this subject, please contact me to coordinate an interview. He/She would be able to discuss psychological techniques to increase the motivation to adhere to new behaviors and to facilitate reentry into the real world once treatment has been completed.

APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

I look forward to speaking with you.

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Cancer PSA

30 seconds
(118 words)
If you have cancer or know someone with the disease, please listen to this message.

In the fight against cancer, a patient's mind can hurt- or help-his or her body. Researchers estimate that 20 to 60 percent of cancer patients experience depression and may refuse to undergo surgery or treatment. Studies show that missing as few as 15 percent of chemotherapy appointments can result in significantly poorer outcomes.

Treating a patient's mind, as well as body, goes a long way to winning a life-threatening struggle.

If you'd like to speak with a psychologist to learn more about putting your mind to work against cancer, APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice has a free brochure called "Straight Talk - Choosing a Psychologist." Call1-877-603-4000.