Recognizing Communication Gaps Between Cancer Patients and Oncology Professionals

Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly. 2008 Jul 1;19(2):113-116, MC Kirk

The results of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength survey revealed key differences in perspective among breast cancer patients and their oncologists and confirmed the findings of other studies in the literature. Communication about breast cancer can be difficult, both for the patient and the oncologist. The patient may approach the relationship with a level of anxiety that interferes with active participation in discussions and recall of often complex medical information. Oncologists place priority on the immediate concerns of diagnosis and treatment, perhaps at the expense of the emotional and psychological needs of the patient. Nevertheless, one particularly encouraging result of the survey was that the majority of oncologist respondents felt confident in their ability to inspire hope in their breast cancer patients and that 90% of patients agreed that their oncologist had succeeded in giving them hope to overcome the disease. The communication between oncologists and their patients is a fluid process in which oncologists should customize messages and their communication style based on each patient's needs in order to increase patient information recall and perceived satisfaction with the relationship. More emphasis should be placed on lifestyle, psychosocial, and long-term consequences of the disease in addition to immediate diagnosis and treatment options. Patients should also be encouraged to participate in the decision-making process by asking questions and seeking out supplemental information. When added to the existing body of literature, the results of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength survey reveal a need for training programs for oncologists and other health care practitioners in order to close communication gaps and improve the quality of care for breast cancer patients and, ultimately, patient outcomes.