The CAUSE model: a research-supported aid for physicians communicating with patients about cancer risk

"Talk to your doctor" may be one of the most common pieces of advice given to help patients manage cancer risk. In fact, though, the support given to physicians for talking with patients about cancer prevention is not extensive. To address this need, we propose a decision aid for physicians. The CAUSE model draws on existing research, identifying common sources of tension or confusion in physician patient interaction. Specifically, the model assists physicians in anticipating common barriers to effective communication and overcoming them to establish credibility, create awareness and understanding, gain agreement about solutions, and help patients enact solutions for the prevention of cancer.