We want to know what you think about CURE®! Address your comments to editor@curetoday.com. If you prefer that your comment not be published, please indicate.
Drug Ads Don’t Belong on Television
I am sick and tired of seeing prescription drug ads on TV.
As a health professional (Doctor of Optometry), I know that such advertising was illegal for many, many years and wish it still was. Why? Because supporting these advertising costs is a primary reason that drug prices of all kinds are at such astronomically high levels.
These prices are unsustainable, which is why I am glad that one of President Trump’s goals is to reduce pharmaceutical prices across the board, especially for seniors and those who can’t otherwise afford them.
I also know that it makes it difficult for private physicians when their patients almost demand a certain product that they have seen on TV, when in many cases the physicians have reasons not to prescribe it. One of those reasons may be that there is a less expensive medication available that will offer a patient similar benefits.
I don’t have an answer, but I do feel that TV ads about medications often do more damage than many might realize.
Bill Sharpton, O.D., FAAO
LAKEMONT, GEORGIA
Stop Mincing Words
I just opened your magazine and read “To Talk Cancer, Practice Etiquette” (a letter in the fall 2019 issue that discouraged using clinical cancer terms when speaking with patients). I totally disagree with this.
I am so tired of people mincing words and making up words. It has become so ridiculous. Cancer is cancer. Tumors are tumors. Quit trying to sweet-talk it. I’m just tired of the doublespeak, and now I have to see it in this magazine. It really makes me angry.
Janet Ruby
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
Note from CURE®’s editor-in-chief, Dr. Debu Tripathy: As I noted in response to the fall 2019 “Practice Etiquette” letter, I agree that medical professionals should be compassionate in discussing a patient’s cancer, but we also must be frank and factual. While being mindful of etiquette, we should avoid terms that are misleading or confusing.
Enjoying CURE®
I just want to say how inviting and professional your magazine is; I always look forward to getting it in my inbox. That reaction is a rare one for me, which is why I felt the urge to tell you what a fantastic job you’re doing!
Comments From Our Readers: CURE Winter Issue
We want to know what you think about CURE®! Address your comments to editor@curetoday.com. If you prefer that your comment not be published, please indicate.
Drug Ads Don’t Belong on Television
I am sick and tired of seeing prescription drug ads on TV.
As a health professional (Doctor of Optometry), I know that such advertising was illegal for many, many years and wish it still was. Why? Because supporting these advertising costs is a primary reason that drug prices of all kinds are at such astronomically high levels.
These prices are unsustainable, which is why I am glad that one of President Trump’s goals is to reduce pharmaceutical prices across the board, especially for seniors and those who can’t otherwise afford them.
I also know that it makes it difficult for private physicians when their patients almost demand a certain product that they have seen on TV, when in many cases the physicians have reasons not to prescribe it. One of those reasons may be that there is a less expensive medication available that will offer a patient similar benefits.
I don’t have an answer, but I do feel that TV ads about medications often do more damage than many might realize.
Bill Sharpton, O.D., FAAO
LAKEMONT, GEORGIA
Stop Mincing Words
I just opened your magazine and read “To Talk Cancer, Practice Etiquette” (a letter in the fall 2019 issue that discouraged using clinical cancer terms when speaking with patients). I totally disagree with this.
I am so tired of people mincing words and making up words. It has become so ridiculous. Cancer is cancer. Tumors are tumors. Quit trying to sweet-talk it. I’m just tired of the doublespeak, and now I have to see it in this magazine. It really makes me angry.
Janet Ruby
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
Note from CURE®’s editor-in-chief, Dr. Debu Tripathy: As I noted in response to the fall 2019 “Practice Etiquette” letter, I agree that medical professionals should be compassionate in discussing a patient’s cancer, but we also must be frank and factual. While being mindful of etiquette, we should avoid terms that are misleading or confusing.
Enjoying CURE®
I just want to say how inviting and professional your magazine is; I always look forward to getting it in my inbox. That reaction is a rare one for me, which is why I felt the urge to tell you what a fantastic job you’re doing!
Thank you for adding meaningfulness to my life.
Nina Beaty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
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November 8th 2023This November, our country celebrates 76 years of Veteran’s Day, and we want to increase awareness of veterans with lung cancer in this special issue of CURE.
Read More
Patients With Lung Cancer Face Unmet Needs During Drug Shortages
November 8th 2023Dr. Gene G. Finley spoke about current patient treatment obstacles as part of CURE’s ‘Speaking Out’ video series.
Read More
On the Front Lines of Lung Cancer
November 7th 2023U.S. veterans face exposures during military service and disparities at home.
Read More
Lowering Doses to Increase Quality of Life in Lung Cancer
November 6th 2023Managing side effects from lung cancer treatment with dose reductions is an approach experts have been using more, even though some patients voice concerns about lowering a drug’s impact on the disease.
Read More
Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome: What Patients Need to Know
September 25th 2023More than half of patients may experience PMPS, a type of chronic nerve pain, following mastectomy and breast surgery.
Read More
Look Who's Chatting: Examining the Use of AI in Oncology
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