Shared decision making lacking in cancer screening discussions

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

A recent study study examined data from more than 1100 people aged 50 and older who made decisions about whether to undergo cancer screening. The cancer types studied included breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Respondents were asked whether were physicians discussed the advantages and disadvantages of their cancer screening, and whether they were offered and option to decline screening.Participants reported that their physicians were more likely to report the advantages of screening over disadvantages, with 51 to 67 percent mentioning the pros (depending on the screening type) and only 7 to 14 percent addressing the cons. Shared decision making was less than 50 percent, reported at 38 % for men and women with colorectal cancer screening, 27% for women with breast cancer screening, and 34 for men with prostate cancer screening. Although the majority of those participating in the study underwent screening, their confidence level in the procedure was lower when they felt the physician was primarily responsible for the screening decision.

Ideally, patients are given a chance to properly weigh in on their medical options and make decisions based on objective, physician-provided information. Experts do advise caution with regard to shared decision making and which decisions are appropriate to move into the area of shared determination.