How this oncologist became a better doctor after her own breast cancer diagnosis
Radiation oncologist Dr Catherine Sue Hwang used to encourage patients facing chemotherapy to shave their heads as one way to “regain control” of their treatments.…
Tag: Oncology
‘It’s ignorance not medical misogyny’: Leading oncologist on whether doctors really are letting down women
As Sydney oncologist Associate Professor Nicholas Wilcken read the latest media reporting on ‘medical misogyny’, the familiar bristling over a term he considers “deeply offensive” took…
‘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…
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…
