Improving communications with older cancer patients

Abstract

Currently, older adults (age 65 and older) represent about 62% of cancer survivors and by 2040, it is anticipated that 73% will be 65 years or older. The changing demographics of the older cancer population reflect, in part, a growing multicultural, multilingual, and immigrant population. Effective communication is an essential cornerstone of cancer care and influences patient and family experiences and outcomes across the care continuum, from screening and adherence to prevention, to decision-making, adaptation and acceptance of illness and treatment regimens, to resolution of symptoms and rate of recovery, just to name a few. Also, effective communication impacts interest and participation in clinical trials and research and is necessary as clinical trials increase in their complexity in study designs (e.g., multistage adaptive designs) and precision and genomic considerations. Fundamental to effective communication for an increasingly older diverse cancer population, including many whom are socially isolated or marginalized, is attention to culture and literacy and intersectional perspectives to advance health equity. This chapter highlights techniques and skills to improve communication with older patients within the oncology setting, and emphasizes the value of recognizing and appreciating cross-cultural similarities and differences for strengthening acceptable therapeutic care, support, and education. The importance of warm, empathic, and clear interactions also is reinforced to aid in a patient’s healing, well-being, and quality of life. Finally, the REAL (relatable, engaging, actionable, and literacy-friendly) framework is presented as a useful approach and tool for delivering cancer information that resonates with the everyday lives of patients and their families.