If you read the post yesterday, but didn't comment because you may not have had a personal or professional experience with cancer, please remember that you can still comment on the claim that cancer can be controlled. Do you agree with this? If so, why? Or why don't you agree? Any input is greatly appreciated, by me and by the Go Public team. If you don't feel comfortable writing for all to see, you can always send a private comment my way via e-mail at sweetteadiaries @ gmail . com.
Remember that each person who comments (multiple comments = multiple entries) will be entered to win a Lilly Pulitzer Rolling in it Jewelry Roll!
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Today's conversation focuses on identifying your vision and values for the cancer control system in the future.
What values do you believe should guide our society's response to cancer? Some examples may be quality, person-centered, compassion, accessibility, timeliness, cost, respect, evidence-based, etc.
How do you believe our society should control cancer across the continuum on care - from research, primary prevention, early detection, treatment, support to end-of-life care?
How do we balance the need for socially responsible health care policy with the needs of challenging economic times?
Thanks for your participation today!
6 comments:
I think that the patients should be what are determining the values set on things pertaining to treatment. that being said, if one patient wants to take a radical approach to their treatment, such as trying an experimental drug, they should be able to do so, provided they know all of their options. on the other hand, if a patient wants to focus on healing spiritually and emotionally, letting the cancer run its course (e.g. hospice care, they should be able to carry out their choice with dignity.
however, when it comes to health care costs, I don't even know where to begin. in the long term, preventative care will probably be the answer, but it breaks my heart to think of people who can't afford the care they need and desire.
So, my information packet for my genetic counseling session came in the mail today. It was a DVD with it...I haven't opened it yet. I think the most shocking and eye opening part of the whole process will be putting down on paper who has been affected by what kind of cancer in my family. On both my mom's side and my dad's side we've seen many forms.
As many different types of cancer that there are out there, I really feel that our resources - as patients - are really limited. I mean, even things like genetic counseling & testing aren't things usually covered my insurance unless you have already been diagnosed. I mean, what good is a genetic test if you already have cancer...what about other people in the family who would like to know?? I really don't mean any offense and my response here probably just goes to show some of my ignorance when it comes to cancer becase - well - I think all too often people are left in the dark about more specific cancer-related concerns.
It really upsets me that not everyone can get health treatment/coverage...we're all human irregardless of race, socioeconomic status, etc. The sad truth is a lot of people suffer & even die because of lack of health care. For some, they just can't afford it and for others they just take it for granted...IMO.
shell,
what does your genetic counseling involve? also, did a doctor recommend that you get it due to your extensive family history. a lot of the reading I've done has had mixed reviews of genetic counseling for breast cancer. many bioethicists believe that if you know you have a family history that you should just be more vigilant about self exams and mammograms. what's your take?
I do not agree with our current administrations proposal of universal health care systems - I think they're faulty and never going to work in reality - the best example of a working system is in Sweden and 60% of all the money they make goes to pay for it - no thank you! I have a chronic disease that requires a specialist to handle, and if there is no incentive to specialize and research new medicines and cures, not enough people will push themselves to be the best, if they are all treated equally. I support research obviously, but actively campaign in my community against universal health care, sorry to y'all that are for that, but I just think it is the WORST idea possible!
Chloe,
I'm on the fence about genetic counseling. I'm hoping that my appointment on the 8th will provide me with a bit more insight. I actually saw the oncologist who performed surgery on me a few years ago for some "lady issues" and he recommended the counseling. It kind of makes me feel uneasy knowing that I can play a hand in my own fate...does that make sense? I mean, going in to see what my statistics are first off and then possibly going through with genetic testing. It seems kind of unreal. I'll have to keep you posted!
As for mams and checkups, I haven't had a mammogram yet, but I check the girls monthly! :-)
I personally think the cost of healthcare in this country is obscene, but also don’t think that a universal health system funded by the government will work either. I honestly don’t know what the solution is, but it scares me to think about the state of the economy and the people with minimal or no insurance that are left to get sick and face their fate. It deeply saddens me to think about it.
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