Dr Soirindhri Banerjee, MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), is an accomplished radiation oncologist based in Kolkata, India. She specializes in Clinical & Radiation Oncology, having received her training from IPGMER & SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. Dr Banerjee is a distinguished recipient of the Inspire Scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Govt of India (2013), and the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India- West Bengal Fight Cancer Fellowship (2022). She actively mentors medical students through her role at the South Asian Medical Students Association and currently practices at the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology at SSKM Hospital.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
Patients often miss or conceal associated symptoms, thinking they are irrelevant to the present problem. It is essential for all to understand that there can be multiple factors contributing to the development of a health condition, its course of treatment and prognosis. A detailed, all-inclusive history is the most crucial step towards a good treatment.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Knowing the cause, risk factors, nature, treatment options, complications and fate of common diseases is what ‘health literacy’ entails.
Awareness of one’s health and a basic understanding of the alarming signs of disease ensures quick detection and treatment. Most patients consult their physician late because they do not know the danger signs of common diseases. Moreover, knowing the preventive measures of acquired diseases is also indispensable to good overall health.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
Knowing about the basics of one’s health condition can lead to smooth communication between doctor and patient, easy implementation of the treatment plan and quick outcomes.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly affect treatment procedures by inducing unnecessary fear and anxiety regarding straightforward, painless diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Additionally, it may prompt patients to either prematurely cease or excessively use medication against medical guidance, leading to unforeseen adverse effects.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Common myths that I have encountered during my practice are:
- Cancer is contagious/infectious.
- Non-vegetarian diet is prohibited for cancer patients.
- Cancer patients cannot work at all, not even light household chores.
- Alternative medicine (homeopathy/ayurveda/unani) can cure cancer.
- Online health information can be blindly followed.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
Do not blindly trust medical campaigns endorsed by pharmaceutical companies or any profitable company. Promoting one’s own product is a business gimmick. Listen but verify. Before you adopt a new health practice, consult a healthcare professional about its risk-benefit ratio.
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