Mesothelioma is the cancer of the outer lining of many internal organs throughout the body, and it is often the direct result of exposure to asbestos. However, mesothelioma requires a duration of over fifteen years to develop and manifest itself, and only small amounts of asbestos are needed for this to occur. Diagnosis of mesothelioma often requires multiple imaging techniques and a biopsy to differentiate between mesothelioma and other possible diseases. Treatment varies, but radiation and chemotherapy are often ineffective. The long time between asbestos exposure and discovery of mesothelioma often results in late stage discovery. Thus, the survival rate for this type of cancer is not very high. Numerous people have sought other treatments, some successful, others not. One successful person was James “Rhio” O’Connor, after whom this scholarship is named. Mr. O’Connor was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and although he was told that he had one year to live, he refused to accept this prognosis and changed his lifestyle to one that involved numerous supplements and healthier living. Mr. O’Connor’s actions, in addition to his positive attitude, resulted in seven and a half years of life rather than the meager one that his doctor had suggested. However, such a “treatment” is not FDA approved. This begs the question of whether or not patients should be allowed to use alternative approaches in the attempt to cure cancer and other diseases.
Often times, drugs are extremely expensive and impossible to purchase for the middle and lower classes. These people who cannot afford the drugs are therefore forced to refuse treatment, request governmental aid, or seek alternative treatments. Thus, alternative treatments should be permitted to allow those who cannot afford high-end drugs an option that may save their life or at least mitigate problems. Although some of these unapproved cures may not be indeed effective, the placebo effect and the possibility that some of them do indeed provide a true cure are reasons to permit their usage. Ignorance cannot be used as an excuse for preventing those who wish to try and save their lives from doing so. In addition, regulation against such alternative cures will not eradicate them, as patients will always have the right to refuse treatment, even against medical advice (AMA), and subsequently make lifestyle changes. Although as an aspiring physician I would recommend the treatment guidelines set by the American Medical Association and the established treatment plans for patients with certain diseases, I would understand and cooperate with a patient who chooses alternate routes. This is due to the fact that the patient, as long as he/she is in the right mind, has the right to his or her own decisions for his or her own life. A doctor is only there to assist the patient in a medical standpoint, not to replace the patient’s mind.
It is true that the decreased profitability of alternative therapies may result in hesitance of drug companies to pursue them and perform research to prove or discredit them. Thus, actions must be taken to make these alternative therapies profitable. For example, non-profit organizations that take donations (which are often tax-deductible) can be made to provide funding for governmental and/or academic institutions to perform research on alternative therapies. This solution provides an incentive for citizens to donate to the cause of cancer research while bypassing both the “inefficient government” and the “corrupt monopolistic companies” that are detested by the two political parties. The public can choose to which organization they wish to donate as well as the amount, depending on their level of economic comfort.
It is true that cancer is a leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 85. However, it is also true that people today live longer than people in the past. Unfortunately, the increased number of years has come with a price: decreased mortality has come with increased morbidity. Although we live longer, the last years of our lives are often plagued by diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer. As a society, it is our duty to seek ways to change this pattern, and medical professionals try their very best in order to help those in pain. However, accepting that death is an inevitable part of life is a difficult truth that many people often refuse to accept. Sometimes, this refusal is just, as in the case of Mr. O’Connor who really was able to prolong his life. However, for others, the refusal can be considered prolonged misery and pain. Thus, there must be a compromise. Those who pursue cures must do so fervently and to the best of their ability; however, those who have reached the end of their life, no matter how short, must face the fact and understand that life is short. This may seem like a pessimistic point of view, but it is also a realistic one that can change how one perceives life. Rather than live life in a mundane manner, one must realize that each day is a gift that must be cherished. For those who are gifted with a long and healthy life, I congratulate you. For those who are not as fortunate, remain thankful for each and every day that remains.
