Positive Health Online

Searching for and researching the best information regarding our health conditions, and not necessarily trusting and accepting what the experts pronounce, can help to save our own life and that of our loved ones.

I have been horrified and angry at the apparent medical incompetence and ineptitude which has been a prequel to Jade Goody's imminent death from cervical cancer which has metastasized to her bowel, liver and groin. Not being privy to the full clinical details of Jade's case, but surmising information from available media reports, it appears that Jade experienced early symptoms of cervical cancer (pain, bleeding) about three years ago, but was fobbed off by her GP or doctor she visited at that time, and was not screened for cervical cancer. There is a national cervical screening program in the UK, but not for woman aged 20-25 years old, the age when women probably have the most sexual partners and are thus most at risk!!!)

At that time, had she been tested, her cancer could have been detected and undoubtedly treatable with some form of surgery to remove cancerous cells, or at worst a hysterectomy. However, with severe recurring pain years later, Jade obviously again sought medical advice; this time the diagnosis came too late to save her life. The cancer had spread beyond the cervix; and the aggressive treatment program involving a hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not only not managed to halt the cancer, but have undoubtedly placed a life-threatening strain upon her resistance and immune defences. What a needless, wholly preventable tragedy. I sincerely hope that searching questions will be directed at the medical professionals who failed to detect Jade's cervical cancer, and who neglected to direct her to undergo screening for cervical cancer.

Another scandal illustrating the colossal scale of medical and political ignorance operating in the UK is the 30-year-old saga of blood contaminated with HIV, Hepatitis C and CJD, given to haemophiliacs in the UK. Already some 2000 individuals have died, while government ministers over decades deceived, dissembled and connived with the transfusion blood supply, providing false assurances to sufferers that the blood supply had been protected. Additionally, it is galling to watch the various ministers and experts who have not been held accountable for these suffering people. For those who missed the Newsnight special report by Susan Watts, originally aired on Monday 23 Feb 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/7908902.stm

When we start to suffer from an unexplained and worrying symptom, it is important to try to ascertain its origin, or at least to rule out serious conditions. This is not always easy, and may involve various tests; ultimately we may not discover what the cause is. We may need to undergo various diagnostic procedures, but not necessarily plunge into allopathic treatments, as other approaches may be suitable and clinically effective.

This situation occurred to me recently, when I experienced several episodes of light, post-menopausal bleeding. Although in 90% of instances the causes are benign, in about 10% of patients, bleeding can be an early presenting symptom of uterine cancer. I wasn't overly alarmed, yet I continued to research this online and also consulted a number of health and medical professionals. Eventually, with more recurrences, I consulted my GP, had a cervical screening test and was referred to the gynaecologists for ultrasound and eventually diagnostic hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic. I was extremely reluctant to undergo hysteroscopic examination, which enables the visualization of the uterine lining and can obtain samples for histological biopsies; however I eventually submitted, as this appeared to be the only way to rule out cancer or other sinister diagnoses. Happily for me, I survived the procedure, and the results of the histology and examination were entirely clear and normal. Then my quest for treatment approaches could begin in earnest, which for me are homeopathy, herbal medicine and stress management. I will report on my progress in due course.

A number of individuals consult me with cancer diagnoses; many are attempting to sift through the voluminous quantity of varying degrees of questionably authoritative and reliable information. Most people want to be able to trust the source of the information, quite rightly. I can only provide information which I believe to be reliable, and then make it clear to the individual that they also need to make decisions about the treatment they believe will be effective for them. At the very least, as the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed.

None of us is omniscient; however we can develop a system to use a combination of rational, even mechanistic facts, along with our intuitive and emotional senses, to come up with our best way forward in health and life.

I am delighted to publish the March Issue 156 of Positive Health PH Online, which once again presents ground-breaking and uniquely informative information which I hope will enhance your health and happiness.