Jade Goody given 50/50 chance of surviving cervical cancer

**Novice** · November 6th, 2008, 08:53 AM

Why?

Because everyone will get cancer?

The NHS does pretty well and has certain criteria it has to meet.
For example, I had some strange smears in my 20's and had a smear every year for 5 years... no extra cost.

I'm not saying that the NHS is perfect, but it can be excellent. Even the poorest in society get a fair set of treatment.
I was recently diagnosed with something serious and in one afternoon I saw 3 consultants (i.e. the respective heads of their departments). I don't pay any extra for that. Plus, because of what it is, the criteria is diagnosis in 31 day, treatment in 62 and we're way within that.

**Sarzy** · November 6th, 2008, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Palermo

And this is why I pray we NEVER get national health care in this country

Huh? Why? I'm very glad I live in a country where we don't have to pay to get health care.

**aabbcc** · November 6th, 2008, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Sarzy

Huh? Why? I'm very glad I live in a country where we don't have to pay to get health care.

So am I.

**Charmed Hour** · November 6th, 2008, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Novice

in the UK smears are every 3 yrs max... can't cervical cancer be very fast?

Reall every three years? Aren't they recommended to be done yearly? I get one with every yearly visit.

**Novice** · November 6th, 2008, 09:24 AM

Some health trusts do them every 2, however medical studies have shown only a tiny, tiny increase in diagnosis rate with a 2 yearly or annual test.
(BBC - Health - Womens health - Cervical smear test for UK info)

"Cervical cancer mortality in England and Wales (in women younger than 35 years) rose three-fold from 1967 to 1987. By 1988, incidence in this age-range was among the highest in the world, despite substantial opportunistic screening. Since national screening was started in 1988, this rising trend has been reversed.2"
Abnormal Cervical Smear Results

**Quazar** · November 6th, 2008, 09:27 AM

I look at healthcare as a human right not to be based on financial means. What happens to the 45 million Americans with no health insurance? What happens when you lose a job and your next employer's insurance won't pick you up based on a prexisting condition? The majority of bankruptcies in this country are due to inability to pay medical bills. I think it's cruel of a society to turn people away or give them lesser care because they can't afford it. Take the insurance companies out of the equation and pay into the system as part of our taxes. And in the US, we already do have a model for universal healthcare - it's called Medicare.

**Sarzy** · November 6th, 2008, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Quazar

I think it's cruel of a society to turn people away or give them lesser care because they can't afford it.

Absolutely. I was shocked when I first found out healthcare wasn't free in the US. It seems a complete crappy way to treat it's citizens. Not having free healthcare is ideally really not something that should be happening anywhere, let alone in a country like America.

**Palermo** · November 6th, 2008, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Novice

Why?

Because everyone will get cancer?

The NHS does pretty well and has certain criteria it has to meet.
For example, I had some strange smears in my 20's and had a smear every year for 5 years... no extra cost.

I'm not saying that the NHS is perfect, but it can be excellent. Even the poorest in society get a fair set of treatment.
I was recently diagnosed with something serious and in one afternoon I saw 3 consultants (i.e. the respective heads of their departments). I don't pay any extra for that. Plus, because of what it is, the criteria is diagnosis in 31 day, treatment in 62 and we're way within that.

Because it's way too long between tests, because it takes way too long to get an appointment, because you can't see a specialist unless you have a referral. People waiting an entire year to get surgery. Sorry, but I have many friends under that system, and I've heard nothing but horror stories. And I have plenty of friends in this country who got cancer at very young ages and would probably be dead if they had to abide by the rules NHS has. Plus you can't even get some of the cancer drugs that we have access to - A british guy I know had to make a website and collected 44,000 pounds so his wife could get treated for liver cancer. Nope, you will never convince me. Glad it's worked out for you so far. I hope it continues to do so.

**ToodlesTheCat** · November 6th, 2008, 11:47 AM

My mother had a Consultant examinaton in the local hospital (UK)that was arranged via a district nurse who works in a Rapid Response Service for frail old people with complex medical problems.She had a scan of her brain, several blood tests, heart tracing, medication review, physiotherapy assessment, had a neurology appointment for a week later, saw the dietician(weight loss)...........and all without being admitted to hospital. They kept her in a lovely department until they were happy to let her go home.....and had all the results and a care plan plus weekly therapy. This was done within four days of seeing the nurse...........Sister S*** in N**** rocks! And the good old NHS rocks too!

**Just Kill Me** · November 6th, 2008, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Palermo

Because it's way too long between tests, because it takes way too long to get an appointment, because you can't see a specialist unless you have a referral. People waiting an entire year to get surgery. Sorry, but I have many friends under that system, and I've heard nothing but horror stories. And I have plenty of friends in this country who got cancer at very young ages and would probably be dead if they had to abide by the rules NHS has. Plus you can't even get some of the cancer drugs that we have access to - A british guy I know had to make a website and collected 44,000 pounds so his wife could get treated for liver cancer. Nope, you will never convince me. Glad it's worked out for you so far. I hope it continues to do so.

Gosh that sounds scary. My lovely insurance through Aetna covers the visit to the doctor to do the pap smear (once a year) but if I got to an actual gyno I get charged for a specialist oh and then I get a fuckload of bills because they hardly cover any of the pathologists fees. So basically I get to have someone scrape off a bit of cells with my insurance everything else I'm on my own for. My insurance ROCKS!!!

**Sarzy** · November 6th, 2008, 11:54 AM

I know a few people that have had cancer and they all got quick, good treatment. At least you know you are going to get treated and not have to worry about not being able to pay or not. Just out of interest how much roughly would it cost you to have a first appointment with a specialist?

**Bellatheball** · November 6th, 2008, 02:08 PM

I also think the idea of a federally run health care system in this country is terrifying.

I'd rather see the government take a hard line on pharm companies who charge incredibly high prices for meds. I'd also like to see hopsitals unite and demand better payment from insurance companies. As it stands, some hospitals get pennies on the dollar from big companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield. That means doctors have to see way more patients and increase their prices just to stay afloat. This translates in to higher prices for patients in the long run.

For those who say that everyone is entitled to health care, I would agree 100%. However, I also think those who are able have a responsibilty to have their own insurance policy. I work in a state run hospital where we take care of all of the uninsured. It would shock you to see how many uninsured folks can still manage to buy Harley's, 3 packs of cigs and a case of beer/day. I'm all for helping out people who can't afford insurance despite their best efforts. When I look at "Johnny Three Pack a Day" who busted open his leg while racing on his new 4 wheeler, it's pretty hard to not feel some resentment towards him for eating up resources with my tax dollars.

**Palermo** · November 6th, 2008, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Sarzy

I know a few people that have had cancer and they all got quick, good treatment. At least you know you are going to get treated and not have to worry about not being able to pay or not. Just out of interest how much roughly would it cost you to have a first appointment with a specialist?

If this was directed to me, my cost would be $10.

I do believe everybody should have health care, but for those of us who worked at jobs for over 30 years specifically to have our own good health care, and still pay monthly for it in retirement, then hell no, I don't want to be bunched in with those who never paid a penny for their own.

Totally agree with bella's remarks too