Recent Business of Cancer Articles
Perverse Profit Incentives of Infused Cancer Drugs
The business of cancer care is complex, and not always, shall we say, fair and transparent to patients … especially when it comes to treatment costs. This opaqueness is especially problematical when it comes to cancer therapies such as chemotherapy that are infused intravenously in a hospital or clinic. The decision-making process, through which standard of care drug(s) are recommended and ultimately prescribed, can cross a line that favors profit over true patient value.
13 Reasons to Break Up With Your Oncologist
Sometimes it’s necessary to part ways with your oncologist. There are times when circumstances demand finding a better fit for your unique situation and priorities.
Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Problem
I promised myself I would never again write about Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot efforts in this blog. Then I read this briefing statement on the Moonshot’s relaunch.
Beyond Standard Cancer Care: Intelligent Considerations
Over the years I’ve coached many people who were determined to forego conventional cancer care—going against their oncologists’ recommendations, and often countering their partners’ and families’ opinions, too.
Cancer, Like COVID: A Public Health Failure
Ed Yong’s recent sobering piece in The Atlantic on the U.S.’s lack of preparedness for the next pandemic that’s inevitably “barreling toward us” hit my inbox with a ‘must read’ thud. Cogently written, it provides historical context for the myriad errors committed—and how the many lessons learned early on with COVID were somehow not actionable for the next episode of death: the Delta variant.
Deceptive Marketing of ‘Precision’ Cancer Care
A new, troubling report from Truth In Advertising suggests some cancer hospitals are guilty of deceiving patients about their chances of survival, because they give the initial impression that the patient will be treated under the umbrella of precision cancer care, when, in fact, it (precision cancer care) is not available for many types of cancer.
The Business of Cancer: Your Purchasing Power
The global business of cancer is enormous and complex. It’s a machine well positioned to capitalize on the environment of disease run amok—managed by clinicians supported by an arsenal of interventions and agents—some effective and some not so much. In this environment, it’s imperative to be an educated consumer.
Reaction to ‘When Alternative Cancer Care Kills’
The response to my recent post, When Alternative Cancer Care Kills was fast and passionate. People either loved it or hated it, depending on where they stand on cancer care.
Natural Products for Cancer Care: Challenges and Progress
Several dietary supplements have shown evidence that they support cancer care, often effective in reducing the deleterious side effects of cancer treatment. I believe that high-quality nutritional supplements, tailored to my body’s specific needs, played a powerful role in the ‘treatment’ and management of my leukemia. More research is needed to move natural products into the mainstream of cancer care.
Cancer Care and Conspiracy Theories
I’ve heard all about the ‘cancer industry complex’ conspiracy theories from those claiming to know the truth about cancer—even attended their summits, which often advocate refusing standard treatment.
