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Thinking and talking about life expectancy in incurable cancer
Belinda E Kiely1, Martin R Stockler, Martin H N Tattersall
1NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Seminars in Oncology
|May 24, 2011
Summary
Patients with incurable cancer desire survival estimates to aid treatment decisions. Physicians struggle to provide accurate prognostic information, impacting patient care and future planning.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Medical Communication
Background:
- Patients with incurable cancer often seek detailed prognostic information, including survival estimates.
- Understanding life expectancy empowers patients in making informed treatment decisions and future plans.
- Physicians recognize the value of prognostic information but face challenges in providing reliable estimates and communicating them effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the implications of discussing life expectancy with patients who have incurable cancer.
- To explore the difficulties physicians encounter in estimating and communicating prognostic information.
- To address communication strategies for discussing survival scenarios with cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on prognostic communication in oncology.
- Analysis of physician challenges in providing survival estimates.
- Discussion of patient needs for prognostic information.
Main Results:
- Patients desire specific survival scenarios (most likely, best, worst case).
- Physicians report difficulties in accurate estimation and tailored communication.
- Effective communication of prognostic information is crucial for patient decision-making.
Conclusions:
- Addressing patient needs for prognostic information is essential in incurable cancer care.
- Improving physicians' skills in estimating and communicating survival is critical.
- Open discussions about life expectancy enhance patient autonomy and planning.
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