DermHelpCentral

My Brief Trip to Cancerland

by Jennifer Weiner, NY Times Sunday Review, May 13, 2018

This is a helpful article for anyone diagnosed with “early cancer” (breast, prostate, non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma and many other malignancies). The message is that physicians’ words can trigger fear in the patient that is out of proportion to the seriousness of the tumor. Often, the cancer may be treated more aggressively than is necessary.

Dr. Steven Katz, a University of Michigan researcher told the author: “The way we frame illness and the treatment options is the most important factor driving what happens next. And the cancer label is particularly profound.”

He also recommended getting a second opinion as, “There is time for just about any decision you make.” This, too, can be difficult and confusing. There are some decision aids available, but not necessarily enough.

Medihoney

Over the past few months, we have been hearing about the use of MediHoney for chronic wounds.  In dermatology, we frequently use cautery for certain lesions and this leaves superficial wounds which can take a while to heal.  We usually recommend simple Vaseline to keep the wound moist; however, for certain wounds MediHoney may be preferable.  This could just be "hype," but medical grade honey may actually be of value; and there is no downside to using it.  Your doctor may recommend it, or you may just want to try it yourself since it is safe and there are few contraindications.

MediHoney Guide: 

Overtreatment

An important article appeared in the Health Section of the NY Time on October 4, 2011.

"Has American health care become overly aggressive? Many primary care doctors think so, according to a survey published last week in Archives of Internal Medicine. More than 40 percent of 627 primary care doctors who responded to the survey thought their own patients were overtreated; only 6 percent thought the patients received too little care.

"In another study published in the journal, doctors who reviewed the charts of elderly patients were able to discontinue nearly half of their medications without any detriment to the patients.

"If you take medications on a regular basis, have your doctor review your drug regimen periodically. Ask whether you may be able to wean yourself off a drug like a proton pump inhibitor if you make diet or lifestyle changes."

See: Steer Towards the Path of Least Treatment.