Ovarian cancer - unrealistic expectations

Article Abstract:

Increased attention in the media to screening and treatment of women with ovarian cancer has created unrealistic expectations among the general population. Ovarian cancer kills approximately 12,500 women each year. Those diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer have a high chance of surviving and preserving their fertility. Fewer women with epithelial ovarian cancer survive because they usually are not diagnosed early enough. Publicity after the death of actress Gilda Radner from ovarian cancer significantly increased the demand for screening. Although women are routinely screened for breast and cervical cancer, screening for ovarian cancer is more difficult. The test is expensive, and is not always reliable. Reports about the use of taxol to treat ovarian cancer increased demand for the drug, even thought its effectiveness is unproven. despite reports in the media. In addition, taxol is produced from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, and thus is available in only limited quantities. Oncologists need to educate their patients to achieve a balance between hope and unrealistic expectations.

Column, Ovarian cancer, Taxol

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Screening and informed consent

Article Abstract:

Physicians must be better informed on the risks, benefits and costs of medical screening interventions before they can expect to obtain informed consent from their patients. To truly give informed consent, patients must be aware of the risk of a false-positive result and the sometimes exhaustive procedures that follow. A recent study found that family physicians have their patients undergo screening more frequently than recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force. Physicians, who may be overworked and ever fearful of a malpractice suit, often follow the guidelines published by the American Cancer Society, which tend to oversimplify actual risks and the benefits of intervention. Cost-benefit analyses of screening among individuals at low risk for a disease suggest that interventionist practices may be of little value. Widespread use of more precise, age-specific statistics on risk factors and a better understanding of risks associated with screening will help physicians and their patients make more informed decisions.

Analysis, Informed consent (Medical law), Informed consent

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Screening for colorectal cancer

Article Abstract:

Screening people at high risk for colorectal cancer and removing any colorectal polyps found could substantially reduce the incidence and mortality of the disease. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the US. There is extensive evidence that colorectal cancer develops from colorectal polyps, and researchers with the National Polyp Study found that the incidence of colorectal cancer can be reduced 90% by surgically removing all colorectal polyps. Several gene defects have been found to be associated with colorectal cancer. Individuals with the gene defect or a family history of colorectal cancer should be screened periodically. Fecal blood testing is commonly used, but several studies have not been able to demonstrate that it reduces mortality. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is effective, but it can not examine the entire colon. Colonoscopy remains the diagnostic method of choice for detecting and removing colorectal polyps.

Colorectal cancer, Intestinal polyps

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