Survey Reveals Patient Priorities in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Treatment Decision-Making
Key Insights
A 60-question survey of 800 patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (search) across five countries revealed that treatment tolerability, quality of life impacts, and concerns about being a family burden are the top three factors driving treatment choices.
Patients rely heavily on oncology teams but also depend significantly on friends, family, and support networks including social media and peer support groups for treatment guidance.
Most survey respondents were unfamiliar with patient organization groups available in their countries, highlighting a gap that could be addressed by better connecting patients with these support resources.
A comprehensive international survey of 800 patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (search) has revealed critical insights into how patients prioritize treatment decisions, highlighting factors that extend far beyond traditional clinical parameters considered by oncologists.
The 60-question online survey, conducted across Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, and Spain, examined patients' experiences with cancer care, information communication preferences, and key factors influencing treatment decision-making. Dr. Sharlene Gill, MD, MPH, MBA, FRCPC, a professor in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology at The University of British Columbia, presented the findings that underscore the complexity of patient treatment choices.
Patient Priorities in Treatment Selection
The survey identified three primary factors driving patients' treatment choices: treatment tolerability, quality of life impacts from adverse effects, and concerns about becoming a burden on family members. "In terms of factors that drive [patients'] treatment choices, the top 3 things were related to adverse effects, [and how they will] affect them in terms of tolerability, quality of life, and the concern about being a burden on their family," Gill explained.
The concern about being a family burden emerged as a particularly striking finding. "The [last] one struck me in terms of the conversations I have with my patients—often we don't address that," Gill noted, highlighting a significant gap in current patient-provider communication.
Support Networks and Information Sources
While patients rely on their oncology teams for guidance, the survey revealed they also heavily depend on friends, family, and support networks, including social media and peer support groups. However, a notable gap emerged regarding awareness of formal support resources. Most patients reported being unfamiliar with patient organization groups available in their respective countries, representing an opportunity for improved patient connection to available support services.
Patient Demographics and Engagement
The survey respondents averaged 50 years of age, reflecting a younger patient population more likely to actively participate in shared treatment decision-making processes. This demographic characteristic suggests these patients are particularly engaged in understanding and influencing their treatment choices.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The findings demonstrate that metastatic colorectal cancer (search) treatment decisions extend beyond clinical parameters traditionally emphasized by oncologists. Patients incorporate personal values and concerns into their decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making approaches.
"What we want to better understand is: How do patients interpret those data, and what kind of factors influence their treatment decision-making?" Gill stated. "Knowledge of that not only acknowledges the patient journey and the patient experience, but also helps us to better understand how to communicate information to a patient when we're in that time of trying to make a decision about next options for treatment."
Addressing Unspoken Concerns
The research highlights the importance of proactively addressing patient concerns that may not be spontaneously expressed during clinical encounters. For example, when patients express worry about becoming a burden on their family, identifying available resources and supports can help mitigate anxiety and prevent patients from feeling entirely dependent on family members.
"By directly acknowledging these concerns within the consultation, oncologists can reduce uncertainty and avoid situations where patients leave the clinical encounter with unresolved questions or unspoken fears," Gill emphasized.
Holistic Care Approach
The survey results demonstrate that patients desire a holistic approach addressing their psychosocial and financial needs alongside medical treatment. This represents realistic opportunities for improving care delivery for patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (search).
The study underscores that effective shared decision-making requires care teams to actively engage with patients beyond traditional clinical discussions, explicitly asking what matters most to them in the context of their care. This approach validates the patient experience and acknowledges the complexity of their treatment journey while informing more effective communication strategies during treatment planning discussions.