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Compassionate Care
5 ways to support patients through their colon cancer diagnosis
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eceiving a diagnosis of colon cancer forever changes a patient’s life. Even patients who had steeled themselves to hear the dreaded news can feel shocked, confused, and frightened—all at a time when they must make important and frequent decisions about their health. For some, just figuring out how to move themselves and their families forward can seem overwhelming, both immediately after receiving the diagnosis and at nearly every step along their cancer journey. Doctors and other healthcare professionals can provide medical care to stop the progression of colorectal cancer, of course, but they can also offer emotional and logistical support that can shape disease outcomes. Physician support can also provide hope at a time when patients need it the most. In a 2017 study published in Psycho-Oncology, researchers found that patients receiving higher levels of perceived support, personalized disclosure, and discussion of medical treatment plans from their doctors were more likely to have higher levels of trust in physicians. Furthermore, the perceived emotional support they received from their doctors predicted the patients’ levels of hope. Feelings of trust and hope can help patients continue treatment, even when all seems lost. These are some of the important ways you can support your patients through a colon cancer diagnosis.
Carefully communicate the diagnosis. Patients often remember with immense clarity the moment they heard the words, “You have colorectal cancer.” Many also
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recall how the doctor delivered their diagnosis, particularly if the physician does a poor job of communicating the news. It is never gratifying to hear bad news, of course, but the way a practitioner delivers it can make the experience more satisfying. Research published in the Annals of Medicine shows that patients were more satisfied with the way a doctor communicated the news when the clinician delivers it in an “unhurried, honest, balanced, and empathic fashion.” Carefully choose the location for disclosure. The environment should be private, so that the patients can express their feelings freely and without fear of being overheard. Disclosure should never occur in a public place, for example. While it is best practice to deliver a cancer diagnosis in person rather than over the phone, the pandemic has forced many practitioners to disclose the diagnosis virtually. In these cases, doctors should engage in a face-to-face video conference rather than in a phone call whenever possible. In all cases, physicians should provide enough time for the patient to absorb the implications of the diagnosis and ask questions. Never bombard the patient with facts, medical jargon, and statistics, particularly when first disclosing the diagnosis. However, be prepared to answer questions and provide the most accurate information possible. Avoid explaining all the details in one appointment. Instead, schedule several interviews to discuss the diagnosis, treatment plan, and available supportive services. Consider contacting the patient again by telephone on the day of disclosure—this can help reinforce the message of support.
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By Amiee Mingus
