For patients with cancer and their families, the diagnosis and treatment can be difficult to navigate. Given the severity of the disease, Eric Nadler, MD, says many patients look elsewhere beyond a physician for information. The medical oncologist who specializes in lung, head and neck cancer and sarcoma says nearly half of his patients rely on social media or their friends and families for medical advice. “Cancer is a disease of families, and if one of them has seen information [online], the first thing they're going to do … is say, ‘Have you thought about doing this?’ ” said Dr. Nadler. He shared his experiences with host Thomas Kim, MD, on the A Better Question podcast. A psychiatrist, Dr. Kim is a member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) Council on Science and Public Health. Dr. Nadler described some patients who delay seeing a doctor for their condition – opting for nontraditional therapies instead of the traditional cancer treatment he provides. Some have suffered serious consequences as a result. He said when outside information enters the exam room, he tries to find a middle ground with the patient to create trust. “For me, it's never my way or the highway,” he said. “You can usually find a good, comfortable middle ground where you can give them the liberty and the agency to do some of the things that are very meaningful for them and you try to fit it into your comfort in achieving your goals and you work together.” Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast, are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing swathi.narayanan@texmed.org or by calling (512) 370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general informational purposes only. The content of this Podcast does not constitute medical advice. The content of this Podcast does not substitute for a clinicians’ own professional judgment or the judgment of other clinicians in their practice. This Podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. 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