Proposed Methods for Improving Cancer Patient Communication

Abstract

Effective communication between cancer patients and their healthcare professionals is an essential ingredient in providing quality medical care. There is a correlation between poor healthcare communication and chronic stress in cancer patients. Chronic stress impedes the human immune system and promotes tumor growth. There is also a negative correlation between cancer communication discomfort in patients and their level of education. To address poor healthcare communication, chronic stress, and improve health outcomes, healthcare providers must act as educators. It is important for providers to (1) utilize effective methods when communicating face-to-face with cancer patients, (2) present written information that can be understood at sixth to eighth grade levels, and (3) utilize the power of computer-mediated communication in order improve the health literacy and outcomes of their cancer patients.