Comments From Our Readers: CURE Winter Issue

Drug Ads Don’t Belong on Television

I am sick and tired of seeing prescription drug ads on TV.

As a health professional (Doctor of Optometry), I know that such advertising was illegal for many, many years and wish it still was. Why? Because supporting these advertising costs is a primary reason that drug prices of all kinds are at such astronomically high levels.

These prices are unsustainable, which is why I am glad that one of President Trump’s goals is to reduce pharmaceutical prices across the board, especially for seniors and those who can’t otherwise afford them.

I also know that it makes it difficult for private physicians when their patients almost demand a certain product that they have seen on TV, when in many cases the physicians have reasons not to prescribe it. One of those reasons may be that there is a less expensive medication available that will offer a patient similar benefits.

I don’t have an answer, but I do feel that TV ads about medications often do more damage than many might realize.

Bill Sharpton, O.D., FAAO

LAKEMONT, GEORGIA

Stop Mincing Words

I just opened your magazine and read “To Talk Cancer, Practice Etiquette” (a letter in the fall 2019 issue that discouraged using clinical cancer terms when speaking with patients). I totally disagree with this.

I am so tired of people mincing words and making up words. It has become so ridiculous. Cancer is cancer. Tumors are tumors. Quit trying to sweet-talk it. I’m just tired of the doublespeak, and now I have to see it in this magazine. It really makes me angry.

Janet Ruby

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS

Note from CURE®’s editor-in-chief, Dr. Debu Tripathy: As I noted in response to the fall 2019 “Practice Etiquette” letter, I agree that medical professionals should be compassionate in discussing a patient’s cancer, but we also must be frank and factual. While being mindful of etiquette, we should avoid terms that are misleading or confusing.

Enjoying CURE®

I just want to say how inviting and professional your magazine is; I always look forward to getting it in my inbox. That reaction is a rare one for me, which is why I felt the urge to tell you what a fantastic job you’re doing!

Thank you for adding meaningfulness to my life.

Nina Beaty

NEW YORK, NEW YORK