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NYT essay: “’Cancer’ or ‘Weird Cells’: Which Sounds Deadlier?”

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Posted 12/9/2011 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have a strong opinion on this issue and I worry that some are very upset by this thread. But perhaps Gleason 6 or lower should be classed as "precancerous tissue". That way it still retains the word "cancer" which implies that it is something to be taken seriously, but it is also termed in a way that may minimize the anxiety potential. The reason that we may want to do this is that we know that fear has the potential to cloud the decision making process and modifying the terminology may this somewhat ameliorate that situation.
Posted 12/9/2011 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
I was hoping this thread would just die of old age and go away.
Posted 12/10/2011 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Casey has taken a pretty good beating on this issue but here is the quote from the NIH Panel on Active Surveillance:

"Because of the very favorable prognosis of low-risk prostate cancer, strong consideration should 16 be given to removing the anxiety-provoking term "cancer" for this condition."

Irrespective of the views of many on this forum, Casey seems to be in some pretty good company....

Tudpock (Jim)
Posted 12/10/2011 9:46 AM (GMT 0)
Jim, I would be curious to hear what a panel member says when/if they or their sons get prostate cancer complicated by Active Surveillance.  Maybe the words, "Maybe I was wrong?"  Actually, I have very little knowledge on the personal health of any of the panel.

Ron and I went to a wedding this evening, and this topic came up!  You should have heard me talking about it! yeah   One wife said, "I thought the PSA tests were no good because they don't help much."  You can imagine my reaction!  Ron says, "She's more passionate about this topic than I am, but these tests are important."

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