For immediate release Aug. 20, 2008

10 Questions you must ask your Oncologist

GOSHEN, Ind. - After a cancer diagnosis, when a patient faces difficult questions and even tougher emotions, the partnership between physician and patient is crucial.

Patient-doctor relationships have a direct effect on care. A good relationship is one in which the patient and doctor share information and work together to make the best decisions about treatment.

"It's important to talk to your oncologist in detail about your treatment plan and any questions you may have," said Dr. Daniel Bruetman, MD, MMM, Director of Medical Oncology at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. "Although there is always some anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis, learning as much as you can about the disease, your prognosis and treatment options will help you feel more in control of your situation. The more informed you are as a patient, the better equipped you are to seek out the most complete cancer care available."

To help sort through the many questions, Goshen Center for Cancer Care is offering a free reference guide entitled "Ten questions you must ask your oncologist." This guide will help patients ask the questions to ensure they receive a cancer treatment program designed to meet their specific needs.

"With this guide in hand, patients can feel reassured that they are asking all the right questions," Bruetman said. "Using this guide to talk to your oncologist could make a real difference in your care."

Patients can receive a free copy of "Ten questions you must ask your oncologist" by calling 1-866-694-5054. More information is also available online at www.tenimportantquestions.org.

About Goshen Center for Cancer Care:
Goshen Center for Cancer Care is a leader in innovative cancer treatment, among the first to adopt a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. Goshen Center for Cancer Care offers holistic programs for strengthening minds as well as bodies, places a premium on family involvement and spiritual needs, and encourages patients to play a decision-making role in treatment selection. Through this integrative team approach, the center provides medical, radiation, nuclear and surgical oncology as well as naturopathic medicine.

Goshen Center for Cancer Care is involved in, and sponsors, a number of clinical trials. Additionally, prevention, screening, diagnostic and treatment trials are conducted at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care, as well as quality of life trials and genetic trials. Clinical trials offered include treatments for breast cancer, colon cancer, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, myeloma, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. To find out more about Goshen Center for Cancer Care or Goshen Health System, call 866-561-HOPE or visit www.goshencancer.org.

About Goshen Health System:
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.