2006-07-02 10:58:24 · 5 answers · asked by schoberys 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
No, of course not.
I should be able to buy as much cancer treatment as I want for as long as I want and should be able to sign up with an insurance company that covers that way (although they may have to charge more than a company that has a limit).
If your question is, when PUBLIC (taxpayer) funds are being used to provide the treatment. In that case, age is only one of the many criteria that medical professionals, legislators, and medical providers have to use to allocate limited resources.
2006-07-02 11:03:18 · answer #1 · answered by enginerd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not! Treating the elderly for cancer in no way limits the supply of cancer treatment for any other age group.
For instance, my mother was 70 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and prophylactic chemotherapy and is currently in remission almost two years later. At the time, I was a little miffed by her doctor's comment, but it's relevant here: When a person reaches an elderly age, we have to determine whether or not the treatment and side effects will prolong and/or improve their quality of life at such an old age. We have looked at your mother's history and overall health and have determined that she is socially salvageable.
SOCIALLY SALVAGEABLE??? I freaked out when I heard that -- but knowing the doctor and how he speaks, I understand what he *meant* to say. Everyone deserves treatment, if the treatment is going to, in fact, treat the patient...not just the cancer. With that in mind, no one should be denied treatment if the treatment will help, and not hinder, the patient's quality and length of life. No matter what age.
2006-07-03 12:03:56 · answer #2 · answered by southernserendipiti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you talking about? Do you mean they shouldn't treat kids or old people, or that only people only over a certain age should be allowed to provide treatment? I'm pretty sure you have to go to medical school before you become a doctor, so that pretty much ensures that all doctors are adults. Your question really doesn't make any sense.
2006-07-02 18:02:34 · answer #3 · answered by Ellie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOW WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THIS QUESTION?..........NOBODY DESERVES TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE TREATMENT THAT WILL LET THEM LIVE A LITTLE LONGER....THIS IS A FOOLISH QUESTION TO ASK..WHAT IF THERE WAS AN AGE LIMIT AND LETS SAY IT WAS NO ONE OVER 68 YRS OLD COULD HAVE IT DONE..AND LETS SAY YOUR MOM OR DAD ARE THAT AGE AND THEY NEED IT OR THEY WILL DIE..WHAT NOW? DID YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?
2006-07-02 18:03:41 · answer #4 · answered by whitewolf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO..emphatically and absolutely. NO
2006-07-02 18:04:11 · answer #5 · answered by medic4525 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋