By Admin at 24 Apr 2017, 06:29 AM

Knowledge truly is power, and knowledge surrounding a cancer diagnosis is essential for patients to make informed treatment and other health-care decisions.

However, while four out of five cancer patients and caregivers who responded to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America® 2017 Cancer Experience Survey said they were satisfied with their quality of care, more than two-thirds cited only limited knowledge of the latest advancements in cancer care.

The U.S. survey polled 1,000 cancer patients and 1,000 caregivers, revealing significant gaps between cancer advancements and patients’ and caregivers’ awareness of such advancements. For instance:

• Only 28 percent of patients and 37 percent of caregivers said they understood the benefits of genomic testing during cancer diagnosis
  
  
• Most patients and caregivers felt increased knowledge about genomic testing could help them make more informed decisions regarding their treatment, but only 25 percent of patients said their oncologist had discussed it with them
  
  
• Most patients and caregivers (74 percent and 84 percent, respectively) expressed interest in learning more about immunotherapy for cancer treatment, but only 32 percent of patients had discussed immunotherapy with their oncologist

The poll also revealed that younger patients between the ages of 25 and 44 years are significantly more likely to get a second opinion than those aged 55 and over. Only one out of six patients reported switching providers after starting treatment, however, typically because of changes in insurance coverage or a lack of confidence in their treatment plan.

Many patients and caregivers also expressed interest in using mobile devices in their treatment, such as tracking vital signs (which was of interest to one out of five patients and four out of 10 caregivers). However, only 8 percent of patients had actually used a mobile device for this purpose. Maurie Markman, MD, president of medicine and science at CTCA®, said in a press release:

"As revolutionary advancements continue to be made in cancer treatment, we, as physicians, need to increase our level of engagement with patients to ensure they fully understand the best options for their care.

Patients and caregivers frequently don't know what questions to ask, especially after an initial diagnosis, and they typically default to the Internet to obtain additional information.

Much of this is difficult for them to interpret, however, so an increasingly important part of our responsibility is to help them understand what they have seen or read and its possible relevance to their treatment options."

As a patient or caregiver, you can help ensure you’re getting the best possible care by seeking a second opinion and initiating conversations with your health care team about newer diagnostic and treatment options such as genomic testing and immunotherapy. Taking part in a clinical trial is another option for some patients to receive access to cutting-edge care options.

Sources:

PR Newswire February 21, 2017
Healio February 22, 2017

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