Shortage of cancer doctors increase
According to the U.S today’s article, by 2020 the United States could face a shortage of as many as 4,080 cancer doctors, according to a recent report issued by the American Society for Clinical Oncology. “As of 2007, we were in equilibrium,” says Dr. Dean Bajorin, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and co-chairman of the society’s Workforce Implementation Working Group, which developed the report. “It looks like the demand for services appears comparable to provision of services.”
“But,” he adds, “We think it won’t get better than that. The shortage will be gradual over time.”
According to the report, there are three main reasons for the shortage. The first reason, the number of Americans 65 and older expected to double from 2000 to 2030. Cancer is more common among older adults. Second reason, there are many oncologists are expected to retire soon. A third factor is the growing number of female oncologists, Bajorin says. While the medical profession applauds the fact that there is more gender balance among oncologists, studies have found women cancer specialists tend to see fewer patients than do male oncologists, he says.
According to the experts at CancerCare, a New York-based nonprofit organization providing support services to those affected by cancer. Among its tips for communicating with your doctor and other health-care team members:
• Remember that you are a consumer of health care. And with that in mind, the best way to begin making difficult decisions about health care is to educate yourself.
• When you have an appointment, bring someone with you. Doing so lends support, in addition to providing a “second set of ears,” and another person to think of questions.
• Write out a list of questions before an appointment; this list will help you remember important questions. Be sure to make the questions specific and brief because your doctor has limited time. And ask your most important questions first.
• Write down the answers and instructions the doctor gives you. Even better, bring a tape recorder to the appointment — as long as the doctor says it’s OK.
• When asking questions, use “I” statements. For example, the phrase “I don’t understand…” is much more effective than “You’re being unclear about…”
• If you’re confused by something your doctor says, repeat it back by saying something like, “So you mean I should…?” And if you’re someone who understands better with the use of visuals, ask to see X-rays or slides, or ask your doctor to draw a diagram.
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