Cancer Over Treatment?
This month’s Reader’s Digest featured an article titled Cancer Screening: Doing More Harm Than Good? that caught my eye since I have a 3rd cousin and an uncle in-law with stage 4 and stage 3 cancer. The gist of the article is that many cancers that are discovered early and treated were not of any danger. In fact, some disappeared on their own according to the article as they state: . . . screening tests raise red flags about cancers destined to loll about quietly, causing no problems. But there’s more. They also blare the alarm about cancers that would actually go away on their own — because, in fact, some cancers simply disappear. Another article on this subject is found at low risk prostrate cancer patients overtreated.
Wow! This begs the question in my mind: Is it possible that the “successful treatments” touted by the medical community are simply over-treatments of cancers that posed no threat? And can one even theorize that the medical community, the pharmacuetical manufacturers, and the equipment manufacturers all have an interest in this? I know, it almost sounds like a nutty conspiracy theory, but logically it makes sense since there is a lot of money involved. Truthfully, I am not looking to spread bad rumors. Rather, I just want to know what to do in the event that myself or a family member gets diagnosed with cancer. After reading some of this information, I am thinking a second opinion would be of great value. Also wondering if I should go ahead with my colonoscopy scheduled next month.
Do you have any information on this? Please comment.