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Spring Survey Results 2012

Screening Controversy and the Next Wave of Patient Empowerment

12/15/2009

Program Overview:

Much of what patients heard about the new breast cancer screening guidelines in December of 2009 not only confused them, but also caused quite a debate. Do mammograms need to be done annually? Can patients get screened every other year safely? How does a woman know if she is at average risk or increased risk for breast cancer? On this episode of Patient Power Health Issues , Andrew and Peter discuss the screening guideline controversy, including the idea of a “conspiracy theory,” the source of this data, aggressive screening procedures and the importance of being an empowered patient. Andrew suggests creating forums and platforms welcoming advice and questions from patients and doctors alike could be the starting point to a solution.

You will hear Dr Connie Lehman, director of breast cancer imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), as she weighs in on the screening controversy. Also joining the discussion is Dr. Sunil Hingorani, a medical oncologist at the SCCA. He concludes the discussion with clearly defining the relationship between patient and doctor. In his own words: The relationship between patient and physician from my perspective has evolved over the last 50 years or so. It went from very much of a sort of almost patriarchal approach where the physician was “up here” and the patient was “here” and you heard from “on high” what they thought you needed…basically it really should be a collaboration, or if anything it should be the patient in the superior position and the physician there to provide the service.

Experts and Guests:

Peter Frishauf Peter Frishauf,
Founder of Medscape
Peter Frishauf, founder of Medscape – one of the leading websites to educate doctors, had high PSA levels but had a negative biopsy. It took sometime for Peter to be formally diagnosed, but in the end, research and self-education, allowed him to make informed decisions in his care. Peter started his career as a medical writer in 1972 after graduating... more >

Transcript:

  1. Introduction LISTEN
  2. Discussion Points on General Screening for Cancer LISTEN
  3. Better Communication in Health Care LISTEN
  4. Improving the Doctor/Patient Relationship LISTEN

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