Addressing Patient Requests to Add Dietary Supplements to Their Cancer Care-A Suggested Approach

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine
• Patient Communication

Background:

• Cancer patients frequently use dietary supplements for complementary care.
• A communication gap exists between patients and physicians regarding supplement use.
• This gap leads to reliance on unreliable information and potential patient risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on physician-patient communication about dietary supplements in cancer care.
• To advocate for a patient-centered approach in discussing supplement use.
• To propose a framework for informed decision-making regarding supplements.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was conducted.
• The review focused on patient-centered communication strategies.
• A practical tool for healthcare providers was conceptualized.

Main Results:

• Physician communication significantly impacts patient decisions on supplements.
• A patient-centered approach involves evidence-based information, risk discussion, and shared decision-making.
• A structured tool can aid in risk stratification, recommendations, and monitoring of supplements.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers should adopt an expert guide role, fostering open dialogue on dietary supplements.
• Transparent discussions and respect for patient autonomy are vital for safe cancer care.
• Empowering patients with reliable information safeguards their well-being during integrative therapy.