The Prognosis of Cancer Is Not the Same for Everyone

Most people immediately assume the worse and can become discouraged before receiving all the facts when diagnosed with cancer.  Family members often do not provide encouragement to those members who have been given a diagnosis.  I have been told by my patients this is the reason the diagnosis is not shared with close family and friends. They should become involved when all the information is provided to them by the patient. Clinical trials, at this time, should be strongly considered.  Major barriers to early detection and treatment are the lack of health insurance, poor health literacy, and fear.  Early detection improves the outcome of most cancers. All hope should not be lost even if the diagnosis is dire.

I continue to encourage black people to get a preventative evaluation for breast, colon, prostate, and cervical cancer.  Patients are encouraged to be screened for lung cancer if there is a long history of smoking.