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Decision Aids in Advanced Cancer

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Psychological Aspects of Cancer

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Abstract

Advanced cancer is a difficult reality for patients, caregivers, and clinicans alike. Treatment decisions when the goal is not cure are increasingly complex, with a growing number of potential palliative treatment options, with uncertain and often modest benefits. To facilitate decision-making, decision aids (DAs) have been developed for patients with advanced cancer, most commonly considering active anticancer treatment such as systemic therapy (chemotherapy) or radiation. But DAs have also been developed to assist those making decisions about end-of-life care.

While the format of these aids and treatment choices differ, the goals should be consistent, i.e., to enhance patient understanding and participation where possible, decrease decisional conflict, and improve patient decision satisfaction.

The delicate balance between palliative goals of therapy, understanding prognosis, and preserving hope in the face of incurable malignancy is difficult to achieve. DAs are important tools to facilitate more informed decision-making for patients, to ensure that palliative treatment decisions are consistent with patient values for length and quality of life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Divison of Medical Oncology/Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, 5-105 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 2M9

    Natasha B. Leighl M.D., M.M.Sc (Clin Epi), F.R.C.P.C

  2. Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1V7

    Mary Ann O’Brien Ph.D

Authors
  1. Natasha B. Leighl M.D., M.M.Sc (Clin Epi), F.R.C.P.C
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  2. Mary Ann O’Brien Ph.D
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Natasha B. Leighl M.D., M.M.Sc (Clin Epi), F.R.C.P.C .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, S. 10th Street 233, Philadelphia, 19107, Pennsylvania, USA

    Brian I. Carr

  2. STARZL TRANSPLAN INST, University of Pittsburgh, 5TH AVE 7 MONTEFIORE 3459, PITTSBURGH, 15213, Pennsylvania, USA

    JENNIFER STEEL

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Leighl, N.B., O’Brien, M.A. (2013). Decision Aids in Advanced Cancer. In: Carr, B., STEEL, J. (eds) Psychological Aspects of Cancer. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4866-2_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4866-2_5

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