I am a 41-year-old man and enjoy reading my partner's copy of CMAJ. The headline for one of your recent letters [1] nearly jumped off the page: "New method for prostate exam." Like a blackjack player whose first card is an ace, I was captivated and hopeful about a much-needed breakthrough in medical science.
The prospect of an alternative to the conventional method of digital rectal examination for palpation of the prostate would no doubt change the pysche of all male patients as they approach their routine medical. The detailed description of the conventional procedure, while sounding much like Ben Hogan articulating the benefits of supination and pronation in the golf swing, evoked images of great pain and discomfort. After whimpering about the status quo and being wistful about a discovery of great proportions, how can I ever pick up CMAJ again after reading that the "new method" is nothing more than being asked to shift to a right lateral position instead of the left?
How depressing. Next time, have your editors tone down the titles so as not to create expectations that cruelly vanquish your faithful readers.
Robert Plamondon
Ottawa, Ont.
References
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