I always tell my patients that cancer treatment needs to be carefully considerd from a perspective of truly informed consent.??USA Today reported the results of a study funded by the National Cancer Institute.? The?new study found that more than 73% of patients cured of pediatric cancer would develop a chronic illness within 30 years of diagnosis, and nearly 42% a severe disabling, life-threatening or fatal condition. The health problems?may be caused by both their original tumors, or the harsh treatments used to "cure" them, says lead author Kevin Oeffinger, director of the program for adult survivors of pediatric cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The study, funded by the National Cancer Institute and other agencies found the health problems appeared to increase over time, with no signs of tapering off.
As Reported by USA Today.
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I'm not suggesting that all chemotherapy is a bad idea.? I'm simply concerned that parents and children know that their choice to pursue chemotherapy is not as simple as treatment and cure.? Most people with cancer will see an oncologist that recommends chemotherapy (chemo) and other treatment like radiation and surgery.? Newer treatments that can put cancer in remission without creating the devastating consequences of chemo need to be more vigorously investigated and made available to the public.? If a treatment with chemo shrinks a tumor or eradicates it (two different things altogether), it should be on the list of considerations.? If there is another treatment that creates reduction in tumor size or presence it should also be considered.? Because the stakes are so high I have rarely seen anyone opt for alternatives to chemo without seriously considering their choice.? Regardless of the choice of treatment, cancer frequently kills people.? If the patient knows all that they can about the choice they are making, we are doing a better job as health professionals.? Patients are able to understand nearly all of the issues surrounding their conditions if education is a priority.? Until we concentrate our energy on education and training of our patients we will always be giving them less than they deserve.
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Faced with a child that has cancer, cure is the only acceptable goal.? If the only alternatives to chemo are not available in the U.S. we have created a system that discriminates against all but the most wealthy individuals.? If the alternatives to chemo are never reimbursed by standard insurance we have sentenced patients to a limited scope of possible treatment.? Since the subject is truly a matter of life-and-death it requires our best effort and thinking.
Dr. J
