For many patients, the prospect of a cancer diagnosis brings a flood of emotions and a swirling thoughts. Where should one begin?
Strong health literacy is particularly important for cancer patients due to the complex, multiple, and individualized options for treatment. Studies have shown that patients with greater satisfaction in the information oncologists provide have better overall health-related quality of life, which leads to enhanced mental health and vitality during and after treatment.
Patients should take time to think through their values and goals before the meeting with the oncologists. Just how much information do you want about the prognosis for your disease? How much detail do you want about the future with this disease? Do you want things explained using statistics or just a best case/worst case scenario? Patients with multiple medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or lung disease will want to discuss their care carefully with the physician to avoid undue toxic effects. All patients, but particularly the elderly, should be prepared to answer questions regarding their wishes for resuscitation.
Patients can involve family or friends by asking one of them to come to an appointment and take notes for later review. Research has shown that patients that are more informed have greater understanding of the options available to them, as well as a higher likelihood of a better health outcome.
Content for this segment was created by Jean Miller as part of a project for SC301: Foundations of Health Communication, taught by Ms. Clubbs
Resources:
http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=81299
Additional Resources:
Brown, R., Butow, P.N., Boyer, M.J., Tattersall, M.H.N., (1999) Promoting patient participation in the cancer consultation: evaluation of a prompt sheet and coaching in question-asking. British Journal of Cancer, April, 80(1-2) 242-248
