Cancer Doctors Must Start Communicating

“For an oncologist, communication with patients is the cornerstone of patient care and management…Poor communication can result in less effective anticancer treatment or increased toxicity—and even shorter survival.” This statement is from an article in yesterday’s Journal of Oncology by Nathan Cherny. It highlights a historical concern within the field of conventional oncology and a principal value of integrative oncologists. Cherny’s article is an indictment of the doctor-patient relationship in typical cancer treatment. During my former wife’s three-year chemotherapy ordeal, I cannot recall one single session where our doctor discussed seriously the treatment protocol, how it would affect us, and our own feelings about it.

The article references recent research that reveals positive physiological reactions to compassionate communication. Effective communication skills have long been understood by integrative oncologists to be a vital part of the healing process. Lack of communication between the doctor and patient, or lack of communication skills of either during cancer treatment, will likely lead to stress and frustration which reduce the efficacy of the treatment.

Unfortunately, doctors generally receive no training or education in thoughtful communication. Cherny noted that several studies report that oncologists vary substantially in their competence and willingness to address patients’ emotions and challenging issues. Most oncologists tend to be abrupt and business-like in their communications if they communicate at all. Discussions center on tests, formalities of the therapies, progress of the treatment, and treatment schedules. Rarely is anything said about the patient’s emotions, family circumstances, spiritual needs, cultural considerations, expectations, or desires. Yet, study after study shows that all calming and stress reducing efforts afforded the cancer patient have positive effects on the quality of life and even the survivability of the patient.

A trait that separates integrative oncologists from most of their conventional treatment oncologist counterparts is the practice of taking more time to talk with their patients and immediate families regarding all aspects of the treatment. This is just one of many advantages of seeking out integrative oncologists for cancer treatment. Free flowing doctor-patient communication enhances the conventional therapies, reduces the negative side effects, and increases survivability. Cherny closes his article by stating, “This can redirect otherwise wasted compassion and energy into trustworthy and reliable care of the patient.”

My question: Why would anyone opt out of integrative cancer care?