Education and health promotion for new patients with cancer.

High levels of anxiety negatively affect how education is received by newly diagnosed patients with cancer by decreasing comprehension, retention, and patient satisfaction. Research has repeatedly shown that, after a careful assessment of individual needs, effective patient education delivered during the initial phase of diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms of anxiety and fear, improve self-care decisions, decrease side effects of treatment, and enhance quality of life. The educational intervention presented in this article aims to improve the current system of providing education for newly diagnosed patients with cancer by assessing each patient and presenting an individualized information program in a controlled environment prior to chemotherapy.