"Help me figure this out": Qualitative explorations of patient experiences with cancer pathology reports

For patients with a new cancer diagnosis, the pathology report is a critical tool to support diagnosis and decision-making, yet they are designed for providers, not patients. We sought to qualitatively explore patients' experiences receiving and interpreting pathology reports for breast and colorectal cancers.

We conducted four focus groups with patients (n = 23) who had received diagnostic or surgical pathology reports for breast cancer, colorectal cancer or polypectomy. Focus groups discussed patients' experiences with pathology reports and recommendations for improving the patient-centeredness of report design. Focus groups were transcribed and thematic analysis was used to explore patient perspectives.

Participants described experiences with pathology reports that were fraught with confusion and variability. Three central themes were identified related to how 1) the experience receiving the pathology report, 2) the pathology report language, and 3) the format of pathology reports all influence patient understanding and ability to engage in treatment decision-making.

Due to their complex medical language and challenging framing, traditional pathology reports can contribute to the confusion and uncertainty patients experience as they navigate a new cancer diagnosis.