Cancer Survivors Can Help the Newly Diagnosed
Posted August 3rd, 2017
Bob Riter
When friends I haven’t heard from for many years suddenly call me, I wait for them to say, “Bob, I just got diagnosed with cancer.” This is not unique to me. People who have had cancer are often asked for advice by those who are newly diagnosed. Similar conversations take place in cancer support groups. […]
Cancer-Related Fatigue
Posted June 19th, 2017
Bob Riter
When people think about the side effects of cancer treatment, they usually think about hair loss (which is common with some types of chemotherapy), and nausea (which is not nearly as common as it used to be). But in my experience, fatigue is the side effect that’s most universal and least appreciated. Fatigue is different […]
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Giving Medical Advice on Facebook
Posted May 22nd, 2017
Bob Riter
I’m often startled by the medical advice that people give to their friends on Facebook. Sometimes it takes the form of saying, “You should do this,” but often it’s more subtle and simply involves sharing a link. Before people post something of this nature, I wish that they would consider the following questions: Have you […]
Making Friends With Your Oncologist
Posted May 12th, 2017
Bob Riter
An oncologist once remarked to me that her patients routinely told her about their personal lives – like they were trying to strike up friendships. I can understand this. It’s not that patients expect their oncologists to invite them over for dinner, but there is a desire to make some sort of human connection. I’m […]
Connecting Cancer Scientists and Cancer Patients
Posted May 1st, 2017
Bob Riter
Most cancer research begins in laboratories where scientists seek to understand why normal cells mutate into cancer cells and then travel, wreaking havoc, elsewhere in the body. These basic scientists are generally more familiar with test tubes than with cancer patients. Nationally, there’s growing interest in building partnerships between scientists and patients. For example, review […]
Why do engineers study cancer?
Posted April 13th, 2017
Bob Riter
You probably know that cancer research is routinely done by biologists, but you might be surprised to learn that engineers increasingly contribute to our understanding and treatment of this disease. Here are some examples: Cancer cells migrate through the body to take root in distant organs. These cells have to survive the “flowing river” of […]
Cancer Makes Everyone Stupider – and Smarter
Posted March 30th, 2017
Bob Riter
A professor recently told me that he instantly became 50% stupider when his doctor told him that he had cancer. He said that his own research in his field of study is careful and thoughtful. When he learned that he had cancer, the “careful part” of his brain shut down. Rather than thinking logically about […]
Cancer Patients, Make Your Wishes Clear
Posted March 22nd, 2017
Bob Riter
In the cancer world, patients often differ on what they want to hear from their doctors. Here are some examples: Some patients want to know — in detail — the various pros and cons of every treatment option, while other patients just want to know what the doctor thinks is best. Some patients want to […]
Nice People Abound in the Cancer World
Posted March 1st, 2017
Bob Riter
One of the volunteers at the Cancer Resource Center recently said to me, “Every person I meet with cancer is nice.” It’s an interesting observation and one that other volunteers have made as well. I’ve been in the cancer world for more than 20 years and I think it’s generally true. Not because nice people […]
Good Care is a Partnership Between Patient and Doctor
Posted February 14th, 2017
Bob Riter
I spend much of my time helping seriously ill patients navigate the health care system. As a result, I’m constantly talking with patients about their interactions with doctors and other health professionals. Although each encounter is unique, I’m increasingly aware of some universal truths that contribute to good patient-doctor encounters. Not surprisingly, good encounters require […]