How can you help patients understand cancer screening guidelines?
Cancer screening is a vital tool for detecting and preventing some types of cancer, but it can also be confusing and overwhelming for patients. As a patient advocate, you can help them understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of different screening tests, and guide them to make informed decisions based on their personal and family health history, preferences, and values. Here are some tips on how to help patients understand cancer screening guidelines.
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Dr. Uma VaidyanathanDirector ,Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Fortis Hospital,Shalimar Bagh,Delhi
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David J KeoghScreenwriter, Playwright, Senior Corporate Facilitator/Trainer, Actor and Occasional Exec Producer
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Brahamjit SinghDrNB (Medical Oncology), MD (Medicine, AFMC),FICP, CEPC, NLP Master Practitioner, Ex Indian Army Doctor ( Served for…
Cancer screening is the process of looking for signs of cancer in people who have no symptoms. Screening can help find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat or cure. However, screening is not perfect, and it may not always prevent cancer or death from cancer. There are different types of screening tests, such as blood tests, imaging tests, physical exams, or genetic tests, depending on the type of cancer and the population at risk. Some screening tests are recommended for everyone, while others are only for people with certain risk factors.
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The concept of screening is to detect early, what we need to understand is that every life matters and it is not always the economic viability of the test that should be a parameter for determining the screening procedure . A lot of screening tests have not been found to be cost effective, when used for the general public, but they do have significance for people at a higher risk. There are several factors that are still unknown to us, that predispose to cancer, therefore comparatively increase the risk and our present knowledge of these factors is limited, which impairs our decision to subject a person to screening. Therefore, its always better to screen- on an individual basis.
Screening can have many benefits, such as finding cancer early, reducing the need for more invasive or aggressive treatments, improving survival and quality of life, and providing peace of mind. However, screening can also have some risks, such as false positives, false negatives, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, anxiety, stress, harm from the test itself, or costs. You can help patients weigh the pros and cons of screening by providing them with clear and accurate information, using visual aids, and addressing their concerns and questions.
Evidence-based guidelines are recommendations for screening based on the best available scientific evidence, expert opinion, and patient values. They are developed by reputable organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the US Preventive Services Task Force, or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and they are updated regularly to reflect new research and data. You can help patients access and understand these guidelines by directing them to reliable sources, explaining the key points and the level of evidence, and highlighting any differences or controversies among the guidelines.
Not everyone needs the same screening tests or frequency. Some factors that may affect the patient's risk and eligibility for screening include age, gender, race, ethnicity, family history, genetic mutations, personal history, lifestyle, symptoms, or other medical conditions. You can help patients assess their risk and eligibility by asking them relevant questions, reviewing their medical records, using risk assessment tools, or referring them to genetic counseling or testing if indicated.
The decision to undergo screening is ultimately up to the patient, and it should be based on their informed consent and preference. You can help patients make their decision by using shared decision making techniques, such as explaining the options, eliciting the patient's values and goals, comparing the benefits and harms of each option, checking the patient's understanding and readiness, and facilitating the patient's choice. You can also help patients prepare for the screening test, follow up on the results, and plan for the next steps.
As a patient advocate, you can also help patients overcome any barriers or challenges that may prevent them from accessing or completing screening, such as lack of insurance, transportation, language, or education. You can help patients navigate the health care system, connect them with resources and support, and communicate with their health care providers on their behalf. You can also empower patients to speak up for themselves, ask questions, and seek a second opinion if needed.