Myth: Whole-body screening is an effective way to detect hidden cancers

This Mythbusters article tackles the claim that whole-body screening is a valuable way for healthy people to painlessly detect hidden cancer and thus prevent cancer-related deaths. The evidence in this article shows that unwarranted whole-body cancer screening offers no proven health benefits and, in fact, exposes people to a number of unnecessary risks.

Myth: Emergency room overcrowding is caused by non-urgent cases

Research suggests that simply reducing noses through the ER door and introducing more primary care physicians alone will not resolve the backlog. ER overcrowding is a symptom of a larger set of issues that cannot be addressed by the emergency department – or even hospitals – alone.

Myth: In healthcare, more is always better

Although Canadians may feel better when they live in close proximity and have quick access to healthcare resources, the research suggests they may be experiencing a false sense of security.

Myth: Canadian doctors are leaving for the United States in droves

There’s no doubt that Canada is losing some of its physicians, particularly to the U.S. However, when it comes to the brain drain, it’s more a trickle than a flood.

Myth: Canada's system of healthcare financing is unsustainable

For the average Canadian, the debate over financial sustainability is not so much a question of whether the system is affordable, as it is “Will Medicare be there for me when I need it?” The answer hinges on a simple fact: “Medicare is as sustainable as Canadians want it to be.”

Myth: Direct-to-consumer advertising is educational for patients

Direct-to-consumer advertising has proven effective in selling
medicines and boosting profits, but not educating the public.

Myth: Generic drugs are lower-quality and less safe than brand-name drugs

Consumers and possibly some prescribers may need to rethink some of their assumptions about whether reserving a place for brand-name drugs on their medicine shelf is always best.

Myth: We can improve quality one doctor at a time

Physicians aim to provide quality healthcare for their patients, but they cannot achieve high-quality healthcare alone or without support.

Myth: The risks of immunizing children often outweigh the benefits

When you consider the number of lives immunizations save each year, it actually costs more not to invest in vaccination programs.

Myth: People use health system report cards to make decisions about their healthcare

The best bang for our buck may come by focusing on where the research says we’re already making the most headway — making report cards multidimensional and useful for health professionals, institutions, and decision makers.

Myth: Early detection is good for everyone

Before any specific test is put into widespread use, patients and practitioners need to consider whether it is worthwhile and accurate, and whether they would be empowered to do something with the results.

Myth: Medical malpractice lawsuits plague Canada

While the number of lawsuits against Canadian doctors is not increasing, the cost of malpractice protection is growing with the size of settlements.

Myth: Managed care = mangled care

While no healthcare system is perfect, some American managed care organizations have made strides in many areas, such as improving chronic and preventive care, reducing hospital use, and improving physician practice.

Myth: Canada has a communist-style healthcare system

While there are some restrictions on what private insurance can cover in Canada, many types of private payment are allowed for many healthcare services.

Myth: A parallel private system would reduce waiting times in the public system

A parallel private system seriously compromises access for those waiting for care in the public system, and contradicts the underlying feature of Canadian healthcare: that citizens should receive care based on their need, not on their ability to pay.

Myth: We can eliminate errors in healthcare by getting rid of the "bad apples"

Research shows that larger systemic problems are the cause of most mistakes, such as staff who are tired and not thinking clearly, equipment that is hard to read and control, or different medications that have similar names and packaging.

Myth: For-profit ownership of facilities would lead to a more efficient healthcare system

While enthusiasts argue that for-profit facilities can provide medical services more efficiently and with a lower price tag, the vast majority of studies shows the exact opposite.

Myth: Doctors do it for Money

Doctors are not purely “economic creatures,” and while money is important to them, it is only one of many factors that influence their behaviour.

Myth: The cost of dying is an increasing strain on the healthcare system

Care in the last year of life is not so much “spending on the dying” as it is just providing regular medical care for people who have serious health problems.

Myth: An ounce of prevention buys a pound of cure

The evidence does not support the broader argument that prevention and promotion will always save money. The so-called “Iron Law of Epidemiology” — that one out of one die — will always apply.

Myth: Seeing a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor is second-class care

The research clearly and consistently demonstrates nurse practitioners can provide care that is safe, effective, and comparable in a range of situations.

Myth: Bigger is always better when it comes to hospital mergers

While the intuitive appeal of “bigger is better” in hospital mergers is powerful, it’s clear the empirical evidence is weak and the potential for negative outcomes significant.

Myth: The aging population will overwhelm the healthcare system

Healthcare costs don’t go through the roof just because there are more seniors. The real issue is with changes in the number and nature of medical services for elderly patients.

Myth: User fees would stop waste and ensure better use of the healthcare system

Research has shown time after time that user fees inevitably create advantages for the rich and healthy while making matters worse for the sick and poor.