Helping Patients Fight for Accurate Diagnoses
- Actor William Shatner, 92, once faced an emotional prostate cancer misdiagnosis after a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test that screens for prostate cancer. The test results showed elevated PSA levels; however, they stemmed from testosterone supplements and were not signs of cancer.
- PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer.
- The PSA test is a common blood test used for the earlier detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is also used to monitor the disease after diagnosis.
- A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medical found that nearly “1 in 4” hospital patients who died or were sent to intensive care experienced a misdiagnosis. The study added that “nearly 18% of misdiagnosed patients were harmed or died.”
- A cancer diagnosis, whether it’s confirmed or a misdiagnosis, can be an emotional experience for patients and their loved ones. SurvivorNet experts recommend getting a second opinion during these challenging moments to ensure cancer has been detected and explore early treatment options.
- Advocating for your own health can lead to better patient outcomes. Sometimes this includes going back to your doctor multiple times or seeking a second and third opinion from different doctors.
Legendary actor William Shatner, 92, once experienced a cancer scare after his doctor misdiagnosed him following a cancer screening. In 2016, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer after his doctors noticed his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which screens for prostate cancer, detected he had an elevated PSA level. An elevated PSA level could be an early sign of cancer, but not always.
An elevated PSA test does not always mean you have prostate cancer. It could also reflect that your prostate is enlarged, which is common, or it could signal an infection or inflammation.
Read More“The doctor guessed that the testosterone had resulted in the elevated PSA level,” the Star Trek actor added.
Although he later received good news, the emotional toll of the misdiagnosis was intense to bear.
“I have wandered aimlessly, trying to comprehend death, realizing I could never understand it. But in 2016, I had an entirely different encounter with death,” Shatner explained after the cancer misdiagnosis.
A misdiagnosis can happen, and when the condition is cancer-related, a swath of emotions quickly takes hold of patients and their loved ones. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medical found that nearly “1 in 4” hospital patients who died or were sent to intensive care experienced a misdiagnosis. The study added that “nearly 18% of misdiagnosed patients were harmed or died.”
What should you do when confronted with the possibility of a diagnosis gone wrong? SurvivorNet experts urge patients to advocate for their health.
Expert Advice for Advocating for Your Health
How to Advocate for Yourself
Patients advocating for their health can lead to better patient outcomes. This is especially important when your doctor has dismissed or misdiagnosed your symptoms. Ashley realized her lingering symptoms seemed to be more than pneumonia or stress, and fortunately, she pushed for more answers.
A component of advocating for yourself in healthcare includes going back to the doctor multiple times and even getting multiple opinions.
Dr. Steven Rosenberg is the National Cancer Institute Chief of Surgery, and he previously told SurvivorNet about the advantages of getting input from multiple doctors.
WATCH: The value of getting a second opinion.
“If I had any advice for you following a cancer diagnosis, it would be, first, to seek out multiple opinions as to the best care. Because finding a doctor who is up to the latest information is important,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
Helping You Grasp Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men. It starts in the walnut-shaped prostate gland between the rectum and bladder, producing the fluid that nourishes sperm. Fortunately, most prostate cancer is caught with screening examinations.
Prostate cancer does not always behave the same in every man it impacts. The cancer can be considered “low-risk” and can be slow-growing, and treatment might not be necessary. In other men, the cancer may grow faster or more aggressively, requiring more immediate treatment. Because of this, there is some debate about screening.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
- Urinating more often
- Waking up in the middle of the night to pee
- Blood in your urine
- Trouble getting an erection
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Pain in your back, hips, thighs, or other bones
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
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