Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Live Imaging to Quantify Cellular Radiosensitivity in Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids
Published on: April 5, 2024
Radiation oncology outpatients' patterns of life expectancy discussions
Amy Waller1,2,3, Lisa Mackenzie1,2,3, Mariko Carey1,2,3
1Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Objectives:
To describe the (a) number and type of cancer care providers that radiation oncology outpatients report discussing life expectancy with, and (b) perceptions of the acceptability and utility of life expectancy information.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of patients receiving radiotherapy was undertaken in four treatment centres. Patients indicated whether they had discussed life expectancy with a cancer doctor (i.e., medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeon, haematologists) and/or other cancer care provider (i.e., general practitioner, radiation therapist, nurse); and acceptability and utility of information.
Results:
Of 207 respondents, 133 (64%) had discussed life expectancy with at least one provider. General practitioners (GPs) were the most frequent source of information. Of those who had discussed life expectancy, half (n = 110/207) perceived cancer would not impact life expectancy. Information was easy to understand (91%), discussed sensitively (90%), helped plan for future (83%) and gave them certainty (86%). The information made 11% feel overloaded and 34% feel anxious.
Conclusion:
Two-thirds of respondents had discussed life expectancy with at least one cancer care provider. Providers from the range of disciplines involved in cancer care need to be skilled at communicating life expectancy information and recognising the adverse impact this may have on some patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Survival Analysis
Actuarial Approach
Consider the example of a high-risk surgical procedure with significant early-stage mortality. A two-year clinical study is conducted,...
Radiation: Applications
The average...
Biological Effects of Radiation
Comparing the Survival Analysis of Two or More Groups
Longitudinal Research

