‘Patient requests for second opinions should not feel like a personal criticism’
A new study has been published on requests for second opinions by the families of children being treated by oncologists at Sydney Children’s Hospital. It…
Tag: Cancer
Why is so little known about patient-requested second opinions and whether they improve outcomes?
For a complex issue that can be emotionally vexing for all those involved, particularly when disagreements around diagnosis or treatment surface, the research on patient-requested…
Cancer Council takes out Australia’s top gong for shonky science
Cancer Council WA has won the not-so-coveted annual Bent Spoon award from Australian Skeptics for offering oncology patients free ‘energy-balancing’ reiki sessions. It beat off…
Cancer council accused of pseudoscience for offering free reiki to oncology patients
Cancer Council WA has defended offering free ‘energy healing’ to oncology patients after it was shortlisted for the annual Bent Spoon pseudoscience award from Australian…
Australia’s lung cancer screening program is coming — what doctors are expected to do to save 12,000 lives
Australia’s first new cancer screening program in 20 years is set to start. GPs are expected to play a fundamental role in the National Lung…
Is ‘acinar neoplasm’ a better name for early-stage prostate cancer?
Early-stage prostate cancers could be rebranded ‘acinar neoplasm’ in an attempt to reduce anxiety and unnecessary treatment, according to an international group of experts. Debate…
Medical Must-See: Australian surgeon removes 2kg hepatocellular carcinoma
An early-career Brisbane surgeon has removed a 2kg tumour from a 67-year-old who had no symptoms and only “slightly abnormal” liver function. Dr Joel Lewin…
Plan for cervical cancer screening in Priceline pharmacies triggers GP backlash
A plan for HPV swabbing in pharmacies will put women at risk of unexpected bills and poor follow-up, a leading GP says. Priceline announced earlier…
$190,000 combination therapy for blood cancer listed on the PBS
A new combination therapy to treat both chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma is now available on the PBS. Fifteen months of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) plus…
Medical Must-See: Unusual housemate leads to infection and aortic valve replacement
Even on Airbnb, most guests will not cause as much drama as this patient’s unusual lodger. The 49-year-old biologist presented to doctors in the Democratic…
