VANCOUVER -- Cancer information can be overwhelming and frightening for patients, but it can also be conveyed in a supportive way. And that can mean all the difference to helping patients and their families make effective decisions about their cancer care. To help improve communication, researchers will be asking cancer patients for their input before, during and after treatment.
Frank Allder is a cancer patient, who discovered a lump on his neck. Three years ago, Frank Allder learned he had cancer. He got his biopsy results from a locum who was filling in for his family doctor.
Frank says,"he hold me what type of cancer and probably I'd live for five years at most. He used a number of technical terms I didn't understand. That was about it."
When it comes to cancer communication, experts say there's one no go area.
Sally Thorne, Head of the Reseach Team and a Professor and Director of the UBC School of Nursing says, "the phrase there is nothing more we can do. I don't know of clinicians who admit to it, but talked to alot of patients who believe they've heard it. It circles in the mind and haunts you afterward."
Sally admits it is challenging to get the right mix of information across to patients.
A previous study shows patients are looking for a sense of personal connection with their health-care providers, a feeling of hope and statistical information they can understand.
Dr. Greg Hislop, BC Cancer Agency and Cancer Control Research Study Co-ordinator, says, "often to make a treatment decision, option A versus option B of treatment, it involves being informed and the use of numbers and that can often be overwhelming and frightening."
For Frank, his cancer experience changed when his oncologist excitedly relayed the news that his lymphoma wasn't as serious as initially thought.
"The doctor, the oncologist looked me directly in the face. He behaved as if he cared about me as the person I was, as an individual, rather than some patient."
In fact, his experiences have been so positive, he looks forward to his follow-up visits.
Frank says, "I've been in remission for some time now, so it continues to be in remission and I feel just zippy, I feel great!"
Experts say it's important that patients feel they have a team behind them cheering them on during this difficult time. It's also helpful to have one main clinician to help patients navigate thru the system and put things into context. To hear more about what works and what doesn't work, researchers are looking for 60 cancer patients diagnosed this year to tell them about their experiences. If you're interested in joining the study, you can contact 604-822-8070 or email commun@interchange.ubc.ca.
Tuesday July 11, 2006
