The risk-benefit ratio of cancer screening shifts over time. What's the best way to present to patients that they can stop screening because at their age the risks outweigh the benefits?The risk-benefit ratio of cancer screening shifts over time. What's the best way to present to patients that they can stop screening because at their age the risks outweigh the benefits?
Read moreCancer, love and guilt
Lately, my days have been filled with love, laughter and meaningful work. While sailing on unusually calm waters, I'm thinking of my loved ones who are negotiating rough seas. Instead of feeling guilty at my current good fortune, I feel increased gratitude. I must feel joyful to honor them.
Read moreWho Knows If McCain is a Healthy Survivor?
Who determines if John McCain is a Healthy Survivor? Whoever can determine if McCain is (1) getting good care and (2) living as fully as possible.
Read moreIs John McCain a Healthy Survivor?
McCain's diagnosis released a flood of articles about survivorship in the setting of a poor-prognosis cancer. Assuming McCain is fulfilling the first criterion of a Healthy Survivor by receiving excellent medical care, is he living fully, knowing the average life expectancy is 15 months?
Read moreHope's Role in Healing
How, exactly, does hope help patients' healing?
Read moreHealing Hope
Does a patient's hope matter? Yes, of course. A more interesting question is, "What should a patient hope for?"
Read moreRedefining Strength for the Trauma Sufferer
Samira Rajabi talks about what it means to be strong. As a survivor of many brain surgeries for cancer, she first asks, "What if strength lies in being honest, being vulnerable and being ourselves?" Then, she shares insights you might find useful in your pursuit of Healthy Survivorship.
Read moreAttending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity
A new book on mindful medicine may help you in your pursuit of Healthy Survivorship: Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity.
Read moreA Healthy Survivor's Perspective on the News About Breast Implants
My last post drew attention to the media reports of breast implants putting people at increased risk of a rare lymphoma. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't feel anxious, especially if you are considering implants or have implants. Anxiety is natural. My point is to use your anxiety positively.
Read moreWhen Implants Cause Cancer
Journalists often use heartbreaking stories to make a point. Those stories thrill me when they educate and mobilize people to proper action. They worry me when they risk causing undue fear and leading people away from proper action.
Read moreDo Positive Thoughts Extend Life?
Health columnist Jane Brody purposely used the indefinite adjective—“may”—in her conclusion about the benefits of positive thoughts:
Read moreThe Hope of a Cancer Walk
It's easy to forget the real meaning of a cancer walk. I'm breaking my 250-word-limit rule to share the 704-word speech I delivered yesterday at the start of the 5K Dallas Lymphoma Walk
Read moreWalking to Help Others
This blog is designed to help readers get good care and live as fully as possible Once a year, I use it as a soapbox to make a plea:
Read moreArmorUp for Life
Preventing illness gets plenty of press. The idea of preparing for it? Not so much. Hernandez-Aldama was a fitness-loving health reporter
Read moreA Healthy Response to News about Rising Rates of Colorectal Cancer in Young People
What are readers supposed to do with the news about colorectal cancers? How can the information be used to foster Healthy Survivorship?
Read moreHelping Your Doctor Make the Diagnosis
How can you help your doctors make the correct diagnoses?
Read moreCaring about the CARE Act
Do you know about the CARE Act? Clue: It's not the ACA (affordable care act)
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