Breast cancer DVD offers information, hope

Christina Applegate is a talented actress whose credits include "Anchorman," "Samantha Who?" and "Married . . . with Children." She's also a breast cancer survivor--one of a number of high-profile survivors who appear on the new 2-DVD release, "Breast Cancer: The Path of Wellness and Healing."

Actress Jaclyn Smith ("Charlie's Angels") calls it an "extraordinary DVD. I so wish I had it when I was diagnosed." Smith also appears on this DVD, as do breast-cancer survivors Olivia Newton-John, Melissa Etheridge, and Sheryl Crow. "Breast Cancer: The Path of Wellness and Healing" explores the entire breast cancer experience, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. The DVD is produced and sponsored by The Path of Wellness & Healing, a philanthropic organization which supports breast cancer research and education to help people live healthier, happier lives.

It's "an incredibly powerful, must-have resource for anyone who has ever heard the words, 'You have breast cancer,'" says singer Crow. Doctors also appear on this video, which helps women and their partners navigate the complex and frightening decisions associated with breast cancer, offering an in-depth look at risk factors, detection, hormones, breast reconstructive surgery, and various other treatment options.

Created by DVD producer Nina Montée Karp and two-time breast cancer survivor Joyce Ostin, the program integrates holistic, emotional approaches with medical ones. The feature includes more than two hours of interviews and two and a half hours of bonus chapters, including virtual tours of radiation and chemotherapy.

"This revolutionary DVD makes every viewer feel knowledgeable, confident and hopeful," says Dr. Marisa C. Weiss. "It offers an invaluable mix of the world's top cancer/wellness experts and the intimate stories of many cancer survivors. I want all my patients to have a copy."

Sounds like an infomercial, right? But this kind of information can save lives, and lifestyles, and that's why we're running a story. If you want to learn more or want to order a copy of the DVD, see the Path of Wellness & Healing website. The two-disc DVD is also available through Amazon.com.

"Information is the key," says Newton-John ("Grease"). "I believe that early detection is crucial in breast cancer. The earlier the treatment, the better chances of a good outcome."