What are the hidden dangers of “Common Sense Oncology” and how to avoid them?

Precision Oncology specialist, Alex Rolland, discusses what doctors are missing in “Common Sense Oncology” – an approach to late-stage cancer that was recently featured in a video by the CBC. The doctors in that video made some claims that are problematic, which we hope to shed light on here.

Alex also explains the many science-based advancements that are currently available for many late-stage cancers but not yet offered through standard cancer care in Canada.

Alex is joined by Precision Oncology Advocate and CTOAM cofounder, Michelle Morand. Together, they share the key takeaways that all late stage cancer patients, and their doctors, should know about…

This includes: science-based, leading-edge diagnostics and treatments available, now, that are proven to help many patients live longer and with a higher quality of life. 

Watch the video:

Watch this video to learn:

  • – What the original video from CBC discussed
  • – What is missing in general from the “Common Sense Oncology” approach to late-stage cancer
  • – What these doctors missed in the case example they used 
  • – The realities of the case example using data from the actual drug studies
  • – What is misleading – in the CBC video – about this new drug vs. standard treatment
  • – Exploring the CODEBREAK 200 study and results of other relevant studies
  • – Why this study, and many other studies, are (unintentionally) misinterpreted – a point-by-point breakdown
  • – How cancer patients can get the information and support they need now

What All Cancer Patients Need to Know About “Common Sense Oncology”

If we are talking about “common sense” as it pertains to creating the best quality of life for a cancer patient, then we believe this means ensuring that everything that can be done is done.

In other words, it means that patients should be encouraged (or, at the very least, provided the option) to have the most thorough diagnosis. And to explore all possible treatments that have true, proven, science-based merit and reduced side-effects. 

If all of this has already been done and if no better options have been found for the patient, then, yes: we can encourage the patient to make the best of the time they have left.

However, more often than not, there ARE treatment options that can help even stage 4 patients. 

What is the Actual Problem?

This is not the fault of doctors and oncologists. They are doing their very best to work with the tools they have and within the system in which they are working. 

The problem is in the Canadian healthcare system itself and its current issues, including:

  1. The lack of doctors, General Practitioners, and oncologists;
  2. The poor quality of diagnostics offered to patients.

Both of these issues lead to delays in diagnosis (both initial diagnosis and diagnosis of recurrence) and incomplete (or completely wrong!) diagnosis. And this, in turn, leads to poor – and often incorrect – treatment options being offered.   

If you have cancer and have not had thorough genetic testing done and had your results analyzed by an oncogenomics specialist, you do not know what all of your treatment options really are…

And there is still good reason to have hope and to look further.

Take a Look at These Success Stories

  • Annette’s story
    Annette was told in 2015 that she had no more treatment options left for her stage IV metastatic melanoma. Our team helped her to enter remission less than a year later and she is still cancer-free to this day. She was able to watch her daughter graduate highschool and is able to enjoy a high quality of life with her husband and kids and career.

  • Korey’s story
    Korey was told in 2019 that he had no more options for his stage IV rare and complex case of neuroendocrine cancer. With our help, Korey entered remission in less than a year and he is still experiencing a high quality of life. He recently started to have a recurrence so our team is now working with Korey again to get him on the best treatment.

  • Lilian’s story
    Lilian was told in 2023 that she had no more options for her rare stage 4 cancer. Less than 3 months after we started helping her, she too entered remission. Even her own oncologist was amazed at the incredible results she achieved from our recommendations and advocacy work!

Next Steps You Can Take to Get the Support You Need

Want to learn more about what is possible for you in cancer treatment today?

There are new advancements in diagnostics and treatments happening all the time – literally on a weekly basis. 

There IS a reason to have hope. 

Reach out anytime if you have questions. We’re here to support you.

Published by on April 10, 2024