We know we have become a suing culture in the UK and this my readers has caused many problems for us with cancer.
Many doctors are now restricted to what they can treat cancer patients with in fear of being struck off registers or pulled before the board of a NHS Trust for trying something that may not have such a good record for treating cancer.
Trial drugs fall under this, we know over the years that many have been given a shot but out of say 40 people the trial drug may only work on a small handful, sometimes only 2 or 3 but that drug is then binned and the trial forgotten.
Alimta is used predominately for Mesothelioma but stats show it works on only 40 out of 100, so what about the 60 it doesn't work on. A drug called Velcade was trialled some 4 years ago and that worked for a handful of the test subjects, this drug can't be used again, why because NICE or oncologists have no proof it can help. But surely, as I think you do the same, it could work on some of the 60 Almita doesn't work on, or what about a second line chemo?
Then we have interferon, a drug that is tested in the USA, but not to be used here. If our oncologists hands weren't tied could these drugs then be used to help us.
People are still under the misconception that Mesothelioma is an Old Person's disease, much like COPD, but even COPD doesn't affect just the elderly.
Then you have those that think, well 65 you've had a good innings, where does that come from. At 65 you have worked a life time to enjoy another good 20 years of doing what you want. No one is old these days until we hit maybe our late 80's or do suffer some of the problems of our bodies not wanting to last.
Your mother may have breast cancer at 65, do you want her to die because she can't be given a certain drug - no you would fight tooth and nail. Well fight for all of us, don't keep suing the NHS when things go wrong. insurance costs eat up the salaries that could be paid for more doctors, nurses, ambulances and more importantly drugs for cancer.
How would you feel if your grandmother or grandfather was given a death sentence at the tender age of 59, 65, or 70. These are the people you still go shopping with on a Saturday or they mind your children or grandchildren as you go off to work? Come now, do you seriously think that we are old.
I remember at 16 people who died in their early 60's and it was thought they had a good life, that was some 34 years ago, our life has changed, our circumstances and the population has changed. Many are still out playing Golf at 80, squash at 70 or working in a job they just don't want to give up.
Please don't let the government and the NHS treat cancer patients this way, help change the culture of suing if a doctor makes a mistake, they are after all human. Neglect is one thing but trying to save a patient going out on a limb the oncologist should not face retribution but applaud for trying to save another member of the human race.
Read this Article and truly give it some thought.
