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Health Literacy Applications in Patients With Cancer
Stephanie Magallanes1, Jeannine M Brant2
1Stephanie Magallanes.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|September 23, 2025
Summary
Improving health literacy (HL) is crucial for cancer patients to make informed decisions. Strategies include using simple language and the teach-back method to ensure understanding and enhance care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Communication
- Patient Education
Background:
- Only 12% of Americans possess adequate health literacy (HL) skills, with 36% having basic or below-basic literacy.
- Adequate HL empowers cancer patients to make informed and intentional healthcare decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of health literacy in cancer patients.
- To identify risk factors, assessment methods, and communication strategies for patients with limited HL.
- To address HL considerations for telehealth nurses.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted in PubMed®, CINAHL®, Google Scholar™, and other reputable websites.
- Focus on literature published between 2006 and 2024 concerning HL in cancer patients.
- Search terms included risk factors, HL assessment, and interventions for low HL.
Main Results:
- Lower education, socioeconomic status, and non-White race are risks for low HL, but individualized assessment is key.
- Effective communication strategies include the teach-back method, written materials at a fifth-grade reading level or lower, and reinforcement across visits.
- These strategies are applicable in inpatient, ambulatory, and telehealth settings.
Conclusions:
- Addressing health literacy is vital for holistic cancer care.
- Tailored communication strategies are essential for patients with limited HL.
- Telehealth nurses must consider HL in patient interactions.
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