The surgical pathology report as an educational tool for cancer patients

An educational program for cancer patients is reported that focuses specifically on the interpretation of their surgical pathology reports. In this program, features of the surgical pathology report that are important to an understanding of the biology, prognosis, and therapy of the different forms of cancer are explained to the patients. Individual interaction of each patient with an experienced surgical pathologist, who serves as the program moderator, permits frank discussion about aspects of cancer diagnosis that are of particular interest to these patients, but that are not routinely addressed during their disease management. Opportunities are provided for periodic follow-up with the moderator in order to address any additional questions or concerns that arise regarding subsequent surgical pathology reports.