Here is a PAPER. Another PAPER. A blog on Genetic tests for breast cancer.
4 thoughts on “Should I have radiology tests yearly after my breast cancer diagnosis?”
Pat Walsh
As someone not well versed in statistical(A single semester class I took in college), or medical scientific language for that matter, I find these papers are often intimidating to read. Even when I do read them, I often find myself unsure of my own interpretation of what I just read because of my lack of knowledge on the subject. How can I break these papers down into manageable pieces? I know there’s a “findings” section, but I try to do my best to evaluate the things I read by reading all of the available content. Which part of the publication is going to be the best use of my time as a non-healthcare professional to try and understand?
Great question. I put the papers on the site for several reasons. But, I admit, I am not sure a patient can read them. I know, though, that over time as I go over the papers in response to a patient’s question, we will all learn what to glean. For now, just read the table. I glean the data to put it in a standard format. But, if you want to read the papers, read only the results section. My blogs will point out flaws in the studies beyond the results. Thanks.
“As you know, my role as a “practicing”, non-academic physician precludes my venturing out on my own. We simply follow guidelines, mostly coming out of academia whether it’s for a shingles vaccine, CT screening of the lungs or mammography. The mantra of “first do no harm” has long ago been replaced by “you’d better be right” as legal standards and consequences seem to have taken precedence over medical standards”.
A honest, insightful response. While it is opinion, it is coming from a practice covering a life time. One of the reasons I started this website was to give data and voice to people making choices. People don’t have the imposed constraints suggested by this physician’s comment. Asking physicians to become hero’s while the system punishes their independence and spurs the cost with actions to keep the system rolling, is folly. But, a patient can stop the above condition, even it is only a small part of the negative side of medical care. I thank the reader for the comment. I am sad it had to be written. So, let’s make things better.
As someone not well versed in statistical(A single semester class I took in college), or medical scientific language for that matter, I find these papers are often intimidating to read. Even when I do read them, I often find myself unsure of my own interpretation of what I just read because of my lack of knowledge on the subject. How can I break these papers down into manageable pieces? I know there’s a “findings” section, but I try to do my best to evaluate the things I read by reading all of the available content. Which part of the publication is going to be the best use of my time as a non-healthcare professional to try and understand?
Great question. I put the papers on the site for several reasons. But, I admit, I am not sure a patient can read them. I know, though, that over time as I go over the papers in response to a patient’s question, we will all learn what to glean. For now, just read the table. I glean the data to put it in a standard format. But, if you want to read the papers, read only the results section. My blogs will point out flaws in the studies beyond the results. Thanks.
A reader responds;
“As you know, my role as a “practicing”, non-academic physician precludes my venturing out on my own. We simply follow guidelines, mostly coming out of academia whether it’s for a shingles vaccine, CT screening of the lungs or mammography. The mantra of “first do no harm” has long ago been replaced by “you’d better be right” as legal standards and consequences seem to have taken precedence over medical standards”.
A honest, insightful response. While it is opinion, it is coming from a practice covering a life time. One of the reasons I started this website was to give data and voice to people making choices. People don’t have the imposed constraints suggested by this physician’s comment. Asking physicians to become hero’s while the system punishes their independence and spurs the cost with actions to keep the system rolling, is folly. But, a patient can stop the above condition, even it is only a small part of the negative side of medical care. I thank the reader for the comment. I am sad it had to be written. So, let’s make things better.