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Why won’t our doctors face up to the dangers of radiotherapy? | Mail Online

Why won’t our doctors face up to the dangers of radiotherapy?
MailOnline (UK) By Isla WhitcroftLast updated at 11:06 PM on 24th November 2008 It’s a life-saver for thousands – but the side-effects can be devastating. – “…………….many thousands of cancer survivors … have developed terrible conditions as a result of the radiotherapy treatment that helped save them.…………………

It is clear that radiation damage is a significant health care issue. Yet, to date, there has been no national attempt to collate statistics that would enable any significant research work to begin.

Remarkably, it is not even officially classified as a specific medical condition; nor is there any definitive information on how to deal with it.

As a result, when it comes to treating the problems, patients can be offered a mix of options. Some are treated by a urologist, others are referred to a gastroenterologist, or an ear, nose and throat expert, while women often see a gynaecologist. This means many people will go undiagnosed for months and often years……………………….Oncologist Paul Cornes, who runs clinics for patients with radiotherapy damage.
‘It is not a deliberate cover up; but in the past, cancer medicine was all about the treatment and giving patients a chance of life. Now we must address quality of life after cancer.’

Why won’t our doctors face up to the dangers of radiotherapy? | Mail Online

November 24, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment