Are We Forgetting In Most Cases Important Parts of Our Bio?

[jazj]

I was thinking the other day, a lot of people are most interested in other people with similar disease histories, and we also like to see someone's disease bio when trying to answer their questions. Most people who provide bio information provide information specific to their disease history (pathology, lab results, treatments/drugs used). Are most all of us forgetting to include data points that are potentially highly relevant about other aspects of our health which could have significant effect on various aspects of dealing with this disease (efficacy, side-effects, long-term outcomes?)

Other medical issues and drugs (high blood pressure, high cholesterol/statins, diabetes, anxiety, etc)

BMI (Body Mass Index)

Average amount and type of exercise

Diet (degree of plants/fruits vs processed/fast food, lean vs fatty meat, alcohol and type, refined carbs/sugars)

Could some of these things be underestimated on how big difference they might make on treatment outcomes? I know there have been studies but just like non-pharmaceutical products, the investment in quality studies is relatively very small.

[MakeItRainbows]

To me, the value of people putting these in their profile is that it might inspire / re-inspire / validate other people's efforts to do the same, which in itself I think is worthy.

I think it's a bit difficult, for the reasons you've stated, however, to draw conclusions from the information, not the least of which is that bios represent a point in time -- the time you updated your bio. And some people may put things down aspirationally ... and why not, if it helps them get there.

[MarkBC]

Good point. I've added information about my diet and exercise to my profile.

[Cooolone]

Your question basically identified WHY the disease is heterogeneous! How although we may be similar, we really are not. No two being "exact" in likeness... Based upon dozens of factors, especially as environment, toxins, diet, stress, general health, family genomics and more without a doubt influence our being, our body, etc.

So even if a member posts these things, I can assure you the Broccoli I'm buying and consuming, isn't the Broccoli you will, nor will you be preparing it exactly the same way!

So, all the data even from studies, are meerly windows to peer through, to get a glimpse of what might be, but not necessarily exactly what will be, for you (or I).

Is the conundrum of modern medicine!

[dentaltwin]

Medications may well make a difference on a population level, but drawing inferences in individual cases is difficult. There are exceptions, like 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which can have a direct effect on diagnosis, and testosterone supplementation (of course).

Obviously family history is also important.

[AlvinSD]

I just updated my bio. Thanks for the reminder.

[Lizzo30]

I think blood pressure is relevant - how many men have high blood pressure along with their pca ?

[dhccpa]

Good thought. I'll work on my bio.

[j-o-h-n]

And don't forget the info regarding your relationship with your ex-wife.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Mgtd in reply to j-o-h-n]

Or your mistress. Now that might make some interesting reading.

[jazj in reply to j-o-h-n]

Good point. I would bet stress level can be equally significant as amount of exercise.

[Mgtd]

maybe the system should add a diet, exercise, general health category when you complete your bio info to allow this data to be collected.

[Jluh]

I agree, sometimes ther pertinent information missing. It's just as important to know if a secondary health aspect is controlled. Other factors relate to earlier in your life. We all have varying past and present factors. It's what makes cancer so difficult, the multitude of nuances. It extends to diet, environment, genetics, biological, etc. Possibly the most important aspect is to get in tune with your own body. Noticing changes, recognizing what does what to what, what foods effect what and letting your doctors know. We are all individuals and we react differently as a result. Similar can give guidance, but we have to recognize what works for us. It is hard to fully substantiate cause and effect directly due to all the variables.