What are the “Ethics” issues when a patient does not get all the information available?
Professional responsibility. A paradigm case of the moral responsibility that arises from the special knowledge that one possesses. It is mastery of a special body of advanced knowledge, particularly knowledge which bears directly on the well-being of others, that demarcates a profession. As custodians of special knowledge which bears on human well-being, professionals are constrained by special moral responsibilities; that is, moral requirements to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit the rest of the society.
It seems reasonable that professional people who deal with men with Prostate Cancer have the responsibility to know all treatments that are available with proven efficacy, and provide that knowledge to patients seeking information upon which they make their very personal decision regarding Prostate Cancer treatment.
Unfortunately, I cannot find one word about Proton Treatment in the recent report from the American Urological Association Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California in 2007. Nor is the word Proton mentioned in the June 22, 2007 “Prostate Bulletin” from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
In my opinion, it is a disservice to the people seeking all reasonable cures to ignore the Proton.
As a former proton patient – in one month, eight years post treatment – I do not have any of the problems that are discussed in the reports from the AUA conference – no urinary dysfunction, no ED problem, no “Proctitis”; in fact nothing that is so readily discussed as a result from should I say “mainstream” prostate medicine and treatment.
What a shame!
