|
Thoughts
On
Memorial Day
About the staff
Ad Rates
Archives
Auntie
Emu's Bookstore
Classifieds
Cartoons
Choosing the Right Glucose Meter
Drive-Through Mastectomies Threaten Patients' Lives
Emu Coupons
Freebies
Harrisburg
Egg Carving Classes Offer Unique Learning Opportunity
Over RX-Sunglasses Offer Flexibility and Safety
SUBMIT ARTICLE
Where to buy emu meat
The Last Page
| |
Drive-Through Mastectomies Threaten Patients' Lives
Says Dr. Marisa Weiss, breast oncologist and BREASTCANCER.ORG founder, in open
letter to Congress today about 'Breast Cancer Patient Protection ACT,' H.R. 758
WASHINGTON, May 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Mandatory drive-through
mastectomies is an unconscionable practice that can endanger patients' recovery
and lead to unnecessary complications," says Dr. Marisa Weiss, a leading breast
oncologist and Founder and President of Breastcancer.org, in an open letter to
Congress today as the "Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act," H.R. 758, is
discussed in a House subcommittee hearing. Sixty-five percent of the 125,000
patients undergoing mastectomies each year in the United States are sent home
within 24 hours -- a potentially dangerous situation for patients.
The letter, in support of the bill sponsored by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of
Connecticut, follows:
Dear Representative DeLauro:
I am compelled to write this letter on behalf of my constituency: the
thousands of women who trust me with their lives as their personal doctor,
and the eight million women who trust Breastcancer.org for the best
medical information about breast cancer. As an oncologist -- and as
President and Founder of Breastcancer.org -- I have a unique perspective
on the needs of these brave women.
When a woman has a mastectomy, her life is on the line. And so are her
relationships with all of those she supports ... and those who care for
her. The impact is enormous and the stakes are extremely high.
Therefore, the decision about the length of needed in-hospital recovery
time following breast surgery must be made within the sacred relationship
between a woman and her doctor. Not reduced to a business decision that
overrides a doctor's best judgment and the patient's best interest.
Breast cancer is a serious condition that requires serious -- and
sensitive -- attention to the physical and emotional needs of each
patient.
As someone who has treated thousands of women, I know that the care of these
women at this most vulnerable and high-risk time must be
individualized. There is no "one size fits all" solution. To suggest
otherwise demeans the challenge these women face in their fight against
breast cancer.
When insurers set themselves up as the "hospital police," short-cutting
the in-hospital recovery process solely for economic reasons-and in
disregard for best medical practice-legislation must be enacted to protect
American lives.
This same problem has already been addressed with baby deliveries. Women who
have mastectomies certainly deserve the same respect.
I thank you for your initiative in championing this life-saving Bill, and
urge Congress to take proactive steps to eliminate this misguided
practice.
Sincerely,
Marisa C. Weiss, M.D.
|
