Andrew Hertler, MD, FACP’s Post

+++ Cancer treatment and the time spent traveling for care are often very time-consuming and disrupt both work and home life for patients and their caregivers. I recently spoke with @/Patricia Weiser at @/Managed Healthcare Executive about some ways time toxicity can be reduced, including oral targeted therapies to reduce the number of times patients need to go to clinics, hypofractionation in radiation therapy (higher doses for fewer days), same-day scheduling of tests and treatments, and virtual toxicity checks to eliminate unnecessary in-person appointments and home chemotherapy infusions. By recognizing and working to decrease time toxicity for patients with cancer, we can lessen their burden in an already high-stress situation. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dP7D8WQk #health #cancer 

Are you aware of the myths surrounding the use of aspirin as a preventative for heart disease and breast cancer? A recent article published in JAMA debunks these urban legends, providing solid research on the topic. However, the article also highlights the continued importance of aspirin use in certain cases. It emphasizes the need for discussions between cancer patients and healthcare professionals about the realities of aspirin's benefits. Mental health workers encounter these conversations frequently, making this article a valuable resource for all. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gbXvmtWd

Serious illness conversations that elicit patients’ values, goals, and care preferences reduce anxiety and depression and improve quality of life, but occur infrequently for patients with cancer. Rinad Beidas contributed to a study assessing whether behavioral economic implementation strategies for clinicians and/or patients can improve rates of serious illness conversation among patients with cancer at high risk of 180-day mortality. Read the study here: https://buff.ly/3SHwVux #healthcare #cancer #medicine #oncology

Why is cancer treatment so expensive? Cancer is a deadly disease that can take a person’s life if left untreated. Its insidious nature can ravage organs, leaving individuals incapacitated or confined to a bed. Tragically, the financial burden of treatment compounds the already daunting challenges posed by this disease. Families facing a cancer diagnosis often find themselves grappling with the staggering costs of medical care, which can profoundly impact their financial stability. But why are these expenses so exorbitant, and is there a way to mitigate them? Read this article to know more about it. #Cancer #CancerTreatment #CancerFree #CancerAwareness #Healthcare #India https://lnkd.in/gNhvtH9r

listen & repeat: "if rates of earlier diagnosis are to improve, we need strong clear messaging that prostate cancer is a silent disease especially in the curable stages & men should come forward for testing regardless of whether or not they have symptoms" #prostatecancer #cancerscreening #menshealth #healthliteracy

Recent headlines have brought to light a concerning trend among younger adults - a surge in cancer rates. This is a trend that oncology professionals have been monitoring for over a decade. Despite efforts like lowering the screening age for colorectal cancer to 45, there's a pressing need for heightened awareness across healthcare to expedite diagnosis and improve outcomes. Early symptom recognition and integrated supportive services are vital to expedite diagnosis and improve outcomes. At the same time, continued investment in research is crucial to understanding underlying causes and developing effective preventive measures and treatment options. Let's work together towards a healthier future. #cancerawareness #cancerscreening #healthcare #precisionmedicine #precisiononcology

This recent publication by Dr Brent Venning and Professor Jon Emery highlights the important role GPs play in early cancer detection within primary care. This paper highlights the significance of cancer diagnosis by GPs, emphasizing the importance of increased awareness and proactive measures in primary care settings. Primary care plays such a such a key role in diagnosis, but it can also play a key role for people in terms of longer term symptom burden education, and readiness and referral for post-acute care interventions and services. If we can all work together, the person living with or beyond cancer will have better outcomes at all levels of care. #CancerDiagnosis #GeneralPractice #EarlyDetection #PrimaryCare #selsus #cancersupportivecare

As a 3.5 year survivor of pancreatic cancer, I have been blessed with the ability and opportunity to talk to many pancreatic patients and (sadly) only a few survivors. While overall 5 year survivor rates have been increasing over the last decade (from 6% to 12%) that number is still too low. In fact, the 5 year survivor rate for stage 4 patients is only 3%. The key to survival is early detection and while there is no standard testing, there are signs we can look for, especially for those who are 40 or older: a diabetes diagnosis, unexpected weight loss, digestive disruption and other signs may be key clues that, when detected early, can improve survival rates. Take a minute to read through and see if this resonates with you. Also, if you or someone you know is fighting this disease, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly. https://lnkd.in/gqDxdAWh. #pancanawareness #cancerawareness #cancersurvivor #health #medicalresearch #cancerresearch

Small #nudge big impact. How do #healthcare nedges can improve the health outcomes? Here is an example of #lungcancer screening. https://lnkd.in/eNXNpbP2 Nudges have maximum impact when there is an equitable #access. An example of #prostate #cancer #screening #jama https://lnkd.in/ewd5ikMK https://lnkd.in/eNXNpbP2

Let's talk about prostate health 🗣️ For many men, especially older adults, discussing their prostate can feel awkward or even embarrassing. This stigma can be dangerous, leading to delayed diagnoses and missed opportunities for early intervention. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let's normalize talking about prostate health. Remember, the most important conversation is the one you have with your doctor. Early detection is key, so let's empower the men in our lives to take charge of their well-being! Head over to our blog for more information: https://lnkd.in/eddt_UaB #ProstateCancerAwareness #MensHealth #EndTheStigma