Cancer Surgeon Communication Skills: 6 Key Areas Patients Value
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The Art of the Surgical Conversation: what Cancer Patients Value Most
Introduction
Effective communication between surgeons and patients is crucial for positive treatment outcomes, yet understanding what patients value most in these interactions has been limited. A recent systematic review,presented at the 2025 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago and published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, sheds light on this vital aspect of cancer care.
The Study: Bridging the Gap in Patient Perspective
Led by Shruti Koti, MD, a resident in the Department of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York, the study aimed to provide practical guidance for surgical oncologists navigating difficult conversations with cancer patients. Dr. Koti explained, “Surgical oncologists play a pivotal role in the care of patients with many types of cancer, often serving as the initial point of contact for health-care delivery. With this research, we sought to provide guidance for surgical oncologists on approaching these difficult and often complex conversations.”
The researchers recognized a gap in existing literature. While the benefits of good surgeon-patient communication were established,the patient’s perspective hadn’t been thoroughly investigated. to address this, they systematically reviewed 2,402 studies, ultimately focusing on 15 that met specific inclusion criteria, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data.
Six Key Areas of Communication
The systematic review identified six overarching themes that patients consistently valued in their interactions with surgical oncologists:
| Communication Area | Patient Value |
|---|---|
| Emotional Support, Optimism, and Surgeon Demeanor | Patients appreciated surgeons who offered emotional support, balanced factual information with empathetic language, and conveyed optimism. |
| Clear and Understandable Information | patients desired explanations of their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks/benefits in a clear, concise, and jargon-free manner. |
| Shared Decision-Making | patients wanted to actively participate in decisions about their care, feeling their preferences and values were considered. |
| Realistic Expectations | Patients valued surgeons who provided honest assessments of prognosis and potential outcomes,avoiding unrealistic promises. |
| Addressing Fears and Concerns | Patients needed surgeons to acknowledge and address their anxieties and uncertainties about their cancer and treatment. |
| Continuity of Care and Accessibility | Patients appreciated consistent communication and easy access to their surgical oncologist for questions and support. |
These findings highlight that effective communication isn’t solely about delivering medical information; it’s about building a trusting relationship and providing holistic support.