Can someone interpret the quote "there are some remedies worse than the disease" for me?

Question

please, if you can, give examples. I understand the basic meaning of the quote, but can't see what it applies to.

Answer 1

some people would rather die of cancer than continue painful chemotherapy.

Answer 2

Last year my doctor prescribed tranquilisers and opiates for my chronic back pain and I became addicted and very ill. Now I prefer to be drug-free, i.e. i choose the disease over the remedy

Answer 3

Of course, this is meant to apply to situations OTHER than taking medicine.  Such as fixing a political/social problem.