HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MAY 2018
A
cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience. Everyday errands and responsibilities
become trivial compared to vital decisions concerning your health and cancer
treatment. Many patients have no previous family exposure to cancer, so the idea
of talking to a physician about an unknown topic can seem overwhelming. Three simple
tips can help cancer patients communicate effectively with their cancer care providers.
03
ELABORATE
(ABOUT VALUES
AND PREFERENCES)
01
EDUCATE
(YOURSELF AND
FAMILY MEMBERS)
Patient education and
participation are essential to
effective cancer care. Well-
informed patients are better
able to discuss their care
and related issues with their
doctor. Informed patients
better understand medication
compliance, potential treatment
side effects, and when to call
their cancer care team. Through
education, we can help patients
stay out of the hospital and
emergency rooms.
Cancer providers want patients to receive
accurate information. Some providers
conduct one-on-one patient care
coordination visits to help patients better
understand and retain more knowledge
about treatment its side effects. At Texas
Oncology, we develop a written treatment
plan for all patients before they begin any
new cancer treatment. The plan covers
important patient issues including the type
and stage of cancer, the purpose and goal of
treatment, and information on drugs and any
side effects.
In the Internet age, patients have much more
access to information and tend to conduct
their own research more than previous
generations. The Internet helps facilitate
more informed and involved patients.
Doctors want patients to ask questions, to
know what treatment they’re getting, and
to understand why. However, it’s important
to use trusted and vetted websites. Ask
your care team what resources they have or
recommend.
02
COMMUNICATE
(EARLY AND OFTEN)
Ideally, doctors should take the initiative to
talk with their patients using conversational
language that the patients can understand.
It’s also helpful for the patient to have a
friend or family member in the room to take
notes or ask additional questions to help
ensure that communication is clear. Before
each appointment, patients can prepare by
writing down any questions to make sure
they cover any issues of concern.
Cancer patients should speak with their
doctor regularly. Ideally, that discussion
should occur both very early and continue
throughout the treatment process. Doctors
want patients to let them know how they’re
doing – including new symptoms, anything
that has changed, even things that are
embarrassing – because those discussions
improve care.
16 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
Know what’s important to
you in receiving care. Evaluate
your personal values and
wishes and make those
known to your doctor. It
can be difficult for patients
to express their values and
wishes, but it can make all
the difference in cancer
outcomes. In addition
to a written treatment
plan, Texas Oncology also
conducts a patient goals and
values assessment prior to
treatment. We ask patients
what's important, and that
helps physicians better
align treatment with patient
wishes.
Rather than just treating a cancer, doctors
strive to customize care for patients based
on what’s important to them. That’s why
early and effective communication between
a patient and the doctor is so critical. As
cancers change, people and their goals and
values can also change, so patients should
continue to communicate with doctors
throughout the treatment process.
Through effective cancer education,
communication with doctors, and
elaboration on their treatment goals
and values, cancer patients can significantly
improve their chances for desired
outcomes and personal satisfaction with
their cancer care.
NURUL WAHID, M.D.
Nurul Wahid, M.D., is a medical
oncologist at Texas Oncology–
McAllen, 1901 South 2nd Street, in
McAllen, Texas.
To learn more about exciting
advancements in cancer treatment,
visit www.TexasOncology.com
or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).