(Cancer) Screening Debate Reveals Culture Clash in Medicine

[ecstatic]

This week, the science of medicine bumped up against the foundations of American medical consumerism: that more is better, that saving a life is worth any sacrifice, that health care is a birthright.

Two new recommendations, calling for delaying the start and reducing the frequency of screening for breast and cervical cancer, have been met with anger and confusion from some corners, not to mention a measure of political posturing.

The backers of science-driven medicine, with its dual focus on risks and benefits, have cheered the elevation of data in the setting of standards. But many patients — and organizations of doctors and disease specialists — find themselves unready to accept the counterintuitive notion that more testing can be bad for your health.

“People are being asked to think differently about risk,” said Sheila M. Rothman, a professor of public health at Columbia University. “The public state of mind right now is that they’re frightened that evidence-based medicine is going to be equated with rationing. They don’t see it in a scientific perspective.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/health/20assess.html

This is an interesting article. We talk about the high cost of medical care in America, but when confronted with science and studies that recommend that we reduce testing, we're outraged. It doesn't help that most of the reduced testing just happens to be aimed at women.

[bain_sidhe]

1. I find myself wondering why the two new "recommendations"

out of the gate had to do with women's health care. Maybe there will be more recommendationsl later about men not getting prostate exams every year, or not being screened for testicular cancer, but right now? It's all about those spendthrift women...?

[ecstatic]

2. The industry sees women as being more costly to treat than men

I don't know if that's based on facts or just prejudice.

[Robyn66]

3. How about cutting Viagra coverage to save money

but you don't hear about that do you