[A conversation with the general practitioner about cancer treatment decisions: a wise investment?]

Although oncologists have expert knowledge about cancer and its treatment and make final treatment choices with patients, general practitioners are well positioned to enhance optimal involvement of patients and ensure decisions that match with patients' values and preferences. We comment on the findings of the trial of Perfors and colleagues (2020), in which they evaluated the effect of a Time Out consultation with the general practitioner between a cancer diagnosis and the treatment decision on perceived shared decision making. Although the trial did not go according to plan, the findings nevertheless offer interesting food for thought. We argue that involvement of the general practitioner may not be necessary before each decision and not for each patient with cancer, yet overall may prove valuable for patient-centered care on the short and the long term.