The Value of Support Groups

People living with cancer can learn and find the support they need when they read about or talk to others who are also living with cancer. Support groups provide an opportunity for people affected by cancer to help each other with the emotional and practical aspects of the disease.

Give and get support

Whether you have been diagnosed with cancer yourself or have a loved one with cancer, support groups can offer a confidential atmosphere in which to give and get support.

Where to find support groups

Many national organizations offer local and online support groups for people diagnosed with cancer and their family members or friends. Many of these organizations can refer you to a local chapter for more information.

Local hospitals and cancer clinics are also good sources for finding support groups. Doctors, nurses, or hospital social workers may have information about support groups, such as their location, size, type, and how often they meet. Hospitals have social services departments that can provide information about cancer support programs.

Below are some places to start your search for a local group:

American Gastroenterological Association*
Medical information Web site about digestive system diseases,including colorectal cancer.
www.gastro.org/patient

Colon Cancer Alliance*
Telephone helpline, online support community, and survivor buddy program. A network of caregiver support groups is also available.
1-877-422-2030
www.ccalliance.org

Cancer.net*
Web resource providing timely, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.
1-888-651-3038
www.cancer.net

National Cancer Institute*
The NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health in the Department of Health and Human Services and provides current information about cancer and clinical trials as well as resources.
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY-1-800-332-8615 (for the deaf and hearing impaired)
www.cancer.gov

National Comprehensive Cancer Network*
NCCN creates clinical practice guidelines for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers with the goal of improving the quality of oncology practice.
1-888-909-NCCN (1-888-909-6226)
www.nccn.org

*Genentech USA, Inc. is neither affiliated with nor endorses this organization.The information provided by Genentech USA, Inc. or this organization is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace a physician's medical advice.

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Indication

Avastin, in combination with intravenous 5-FU–based chemotherapy, is approved by the FDA for first- or second-line treatment of people with metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum.

Serious Side Effects

Avastin can result in the development of a potentially serious, and sometimes fatal, side effect called gastrointestinal (GI) perforation. GI perforation is the development of a hole in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fever. Avastin therapy should be stopped if GI perforation occurs.

Treatment with Avastin can lead to slow or incomplete wound healing (for example, when a surgical incision has trouble healing or staying closed). In some cases, this event resulted in fatality. Stop Avastin for at least 28 days before voluntary surgery. Do not start Avastin for at least 28 days after surgery and until the surgical wound is fully healed. Avastin therapy should be stopped in patients who experience slow or incomplete wound healing.

Treatment with Avastin can result in serious and sometimes fatal bleeding. This includes coughing up blood, bleeding in the stomach, vomiting blood, bleeding in the brain, nosebleeds, and vaginal bleeding. People who have recently coughed up blood or have serious bleeding should not receive Avastin.

Please click here for additional important safety information.

Indication

Avastin, in combination with intravenous 5-FU–based chemotherapy, is approved by the FDA for first- or second-line treatment of people with metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum.

Possible Serious Side Effects and Additional Important Safety Information

What is the most important safety information I should know about Avastin?

Avastin can result in the development of a potentially serious, and sometimes fatal, side effect called gastrointestinal (GI) perforation. GI perforation is the development of a hole in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fever. Avastin therapy should be stopped if GI perforation occurs.

Treatment with Avastin can lead to slow or incomplete wound healing (for example, when a surgical incision has trouble healing or staying closed). In some cases, this event resulted in fatality. Stop Avastin for at least 28 days before voluntary surgery. Do not start Avastin for at least 28 days after surgery and until the surgical wound is fully healed. Avastin therapy should be stopped in patients who experience slow or incomplete wound healing.

Treatment with Avastin can result in serious and sometimes fatal bleeding. This includes coughing up blood, bleeding in the stomach, vomiting blood, bleeding in the brain, nosebleeds, and vaginal bleeding. People who have recently coughed up blood or have serious bleeding should not receive Avastin.

What are the additional possible serious side effects of Avastin?

Serious side effects with Avastin include:

The formation of an abnormal passage from parts of the body to another part, sometimes fatal. Stop Avastin therapy if this occurs
Stroke or heart problems, which can be fatal. Heart problems include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, and chest pain. Stop Avastin therapy if these occur
Too much protein in the urine, which may lead to kidney problems, sometimes fatal. Your doctor will monitor your protein level and may stop Avastin therapy if your level is too high
High blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and may start you on medications to control your blood pressure. Temporarily stop Avastin if not controlled with medications. Avastin should be stopped if blood pressure severely spikes or if disturbance of the brain from high blood pressure occurs
Nervous system and vision disturbances. Symptoms may include high blood pressure, headache, seizure, sluggishness, confusion, and blindness. Stop Avastin therapy if these symptoms occur
Infusion reactions. These may include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, difficulty breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, a serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headaches, tremors, and excessive sweating. Stop Avastin therapy if severe infusion reactions occur

What are the most common side effects of Avastin?

The most common side effects of Avastin that occurred at >10% and at least twice the control rate include nosebleeds, headache, high blood pressure, inflammation of the nose, too much protein in the urine, taste change, dry skin, rectal bleeding, tear production disorder, back pain, and inflammation of the skin.

What should I do if I am pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant?

You should not take Avastin while you are pregnant. If you stop Avastin, you should use a contraceptive for at least 6 months after your last dose before attempting to become pregnant.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Avastin?

Avastin therapy may not be appropriate for certain people. Talk to your doctor if you:

Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Based on animal data, Avastin may harm the fetus
Are breast-feeding. Avastin may pass into your breast milk
Are undergoing surgery. Avastin should not be given for at least 28 days after surgery and until the surgical wound is fully healed
Are under the age of 18. The safety and efficacy of Avastin in children have not been evaluated

Please see full Product Information, including Serious Side Effects, for additional important safety information.