Cancer Communication Research Research Articles

Cultivating Relationship-Centered Care: Patient, Caregiver, and Provider Communication Preferences for and Experiences with Prognostic Conversations

ABSTRACT Prognostic conversations present many challenges for patients, caregivers, and providers alike. Most research examining the context of prognostic conversations have used a more siloed approach to gather the range of perspectives of those involved, typically through the lens of patient-centered care. However, the mutual influence evident in prognostic conversations suggests a relationship-centered care model may be useful in cancer communication research. Similarities and differences in preferences for and experiences with prognostic conversations among oncology patients, caregivers, and providers (N = 32) were explored. Identified themes were then mapped to the principles of the relationship-centered care framework to extend our understanding of prognostic conversations and contribute to a new direction in the application of relationship-centered care. Findings suggest fewer similarities than differences, point to important discrepancies among participant perspectives, and reinforce the utility of relationship-centered care in identifying communication practices that enhance the prognostic conversation experience.

A proposed global framework for pediatric cancer communication research.

The authors introduce a functional communication framework that can be used for global pediatric cancer research.

Multiple approaches to enhancing cancer communication in the next decade: translating research into practice and policy.

Communicating risk and other health information in a clear, understandable, and actionable manner is critical for the prevention and control of cancer, as well as the care of affected individuals and their family members. However, the swift pace of development in communication technologies has dramatically changed the health communication landscape. This digital era presents new opportunities and challenges for cancer communication research and its impact on practice and policy. In this article, we examine the science of health communication focused on cancer and highlight important areas of research for the coming decade. Specifically, we discuss three domains in which cancer communication may occur: (a) among patients and their healthcare providers; (b) within and among families and social networks; and (c) across communities, populations, and the public more broadly. We underscore findings from the prior decade of cancer communication research, provide illustrative examples of future directions for cancer communication science, and conclude with considerations for diverse populations. Health informatics studies will be necessary to fully understand the growing and complex communication settings related to cancer: such works have the potential to change the face of information exchanges about cancer and elevate our collective discourse about this area as newer clinical and public health priorities emerge. Researchers from a wide array of specialties are interested in examining and improving cancer communication. These interdisciplinary perspectives can rapidly advance and help translate findings of cancer communication in the field of behavioral medicine.

Preface: Experiencing Cancer in Appalachian Kentucky.

Connected cancer care is of increasing importance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Linking & Amplifying User-Centered Networks through Connected Health (L.A.U.N.C.H.) Collaborative in Appalachian Kentucky has pioneered a new roadmap for equipping communities with the transformative power of broadband to innovate around the future of cancer care and to better scale their ideas. The roadmap involves reaching across disciplines, including public health, anthropology, telecommunications, and user-centered design. The goal is to leverage connectivity and cancer communication research and practice to make a real difference for patients and families.

A Systematic Literature Review of Cancer Communication with Indigenous Populations in Canada and the United States.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Indigenous populations. Communication campaigns are an important component of cancer prevention and treatment. However, communication about cancer with Indigenous populations has yet to be fully explored and understood. In this systematic literature review, we examine peer-reviewed research to gain insight into the factors that contribute to effective communication about cancer with Indigenous populations. The review yielded a total of 7313 potential articles and a total of 25 of these manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate five primary factors that may increase the effectiveness of communication about cancer with Indigenous populations. Factors include the need to (1) respect traditional knowledge, (2) use appropriate language, (3) involve community members in the communication process, (4) include people from different generations in message design, and (5) engender trust in health communicators. Results also provide insight into communication methods that contribute to effective cancer communication. We identify gaps in the literature and provide recommendations for future cancer communication strategies and research with Indigenous populations.

Primary care physicians’ willingness to disclose oncology errors involving multiple providers to patients

BackgroundFull disclosure of harmful errors to patients, including a statement of regret, an explanation, acceptance of responsibility and commitment to prevent recurrences is the current standard for physicians in the...

NEUROPOLITICS – YOUR BRAIN IS BUILT FOR POLITICS

Darren Schreiber's research centers on emergence and complexity in political systems. He studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics as an undergraduate at Claremont McKenna College. After college he attended UC Davis...

Bridging the critical chasm between service and research: the Cancer Information Service's collaboratory.

As a collaboratory for cancer communication and education research, the National Cancer Institute's (NCIs) Cancer Information Service (CIS) is in an ideal position to bridge the critical chasm that exists between service and research. This article describes the CIS' current research program as well as the CIS Research Agenda launched in 2005. The CIS' progress in developing and supporting recently funded studies that address this agenda is detailed. The unique resources and opportunities available to researchers, public health practitioners, health care providers, and community-based organizations interested in developing collaborative cancer communication and cancer education studies with the CIS are identified and described and an invitation to collaborate is extended.

Cancer communication and informatics research across the cancer continuum.

Over the past decade, dramatic changes brought about by a rapid diffusion of Internet technologies, cellular telephones, mobile devices, personal digital assistants, electronic health records, and data visualization have helped to create a revolution in health communication. To understand the implications of this communication revolution for cancer care, the National Cancer Institute launched an ambitious set of research priorities under its "extraordinary opportunities" program. We present an overview of some of the relevant behavioral research being conducted within the perspective of this extraordinary opportunity in cancer communication research. We begin by tracing the implications of this research for behavioral scientists across the continuum of cancer care from primary prevention (e.g., tobacco control, diet, exercise, sun protection, and immunization against human papilloma virus), to secondary prevention (e.g., screening for polyps, lesions, and early stage neoplasms), to diagnosis and treatment, posttreatment survivorship, and end of life. Along each point of the continuum, we describe a natural evolution of knowledge from studies on the traditional role of media to research on the changing role of new media and informatics, and we carefully highlight the role that psychological research has played in improving communication- and health-related outcomes along the way. We conclude with an appeal to psychologists of many different backgrounds to join with biomedical researchers, engineers, clinical practitioners, and others to accelerate progress against cancer.

Abstract ED03-01: Using communication science to reduce cancer health disparities: Inequities in access and opportunities for narrowing the digital divide

Abstract The changing communication and media landscape brought on by the rise of social media and mobile platforms has significant implications on cancer control and prevention efforts. Over the last decade, the online landscape has changed from a space characterized primarily by static content into one that is defined by dynamic networks, interactivity, and user-generated content. Online cancer communication—whether about screening, tobacco use, or treatment options—is becoming ubiquitous, and the boundary between health communicators and their audience is blurred. This high volume of content is contains cancer communication of all types—from evidence-based advice to myths and inaccuracies. Scientists have the opportunity to leverage these conversations both to understand public knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about cancer and to support cancer control efforts. Despite the changes in communication patterns, barriers (such as reliable Internet access and cell phone services) persist among poor and underserved populations. However, opportunities to narrow the access gap are growing and increasingly being explored in light of high social and mobile media penetration rates among racial/ethnic minorities. New media platforms hold potential for narrowing the digital divide, and enabling equitable patient education and empowerment programs. This presentation will: 1) highlight the role of social and mobile media in communication about cancer, both in peer-driven online communities as well as public health and clinical care; 2) explore current patterns of social media use by socio-demographic and health factors (including race/ethnicity, age, sex, education, health status) and identify opportunities for narrowing the digital divide; 3) discuss communication research priorities and promising new methods and approaches. Recent findings from NCI's 2012-13 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) and the PEW Internet American Life Project will be highlighted to show trends and patterns of online communication. Specific attention will be drawn to data on social media engagement among racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations in order to highlight opportunities for alleviating burdens of cancer disparities. In addition, we will feature exemplary communication research mining and analyzing social media interactions to understand cancer-related attitudes and behaviors, as well as a number of online cancer control interventions using social media. These examples will cover a wide range of cancer control efforts from tobacco control, HPV vaccination education, cancer screening communication, cancer survivorship support, to promotion of healthy diet and physical activities. As the Internet continues to affect the way we seek and share health information and engage in health care, understanding how the online communication landscape is being used to share cancer-related topics can inform strategies for increasing the reach and effectiveness of evidence-based cancer information. In order to address cancer health disparities, increasing equitable Internet access, promoting digital health literacy, and identifying influential online networks amendable to intervention are among top priorities in cancer communication research. Citation Format: Wen-ying Sylvia Chou. Using communication science to reduce cancer health disparities: Inequities in access and opportunities for narrowing the digital divide. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr ED03-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-ED03-01

Cancer Prevention and Control in the Changing Communication Landscape

Cancer Prevention and Control in the Changing Communication Landscape

Cancer Communication Science Funding Trends, 2000-2012

Since 2000, the field of health communication has grown tremendously, owing largely to research funding by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This study provides an overview of cancer communication science funding trends in the past decade. We conducted an analysis of communication-related grant applications submitted to the NCI in fiscal years 2000-2012. Using 103 keywords related to health communication, data were extracted from the Portfolio Management Application, a grants management application used at NCI. Automated coding described key grant characteristics such as mechanism and review study section. Manual coding determined funding across the cancer control continuum, by cancer site, and by cancer risk factors. A total of 3307 unique grant applications met initial inclusion criteria; 1013 of these were funded over the 12-year period. The top funded grant mechanisms were the R01, R21, and R03. Applications were largely investigator-initiated proposals as opposed to responses to particular funding opportunity announcements. Among funded communication research, the top risk factor being studied was tobacco, and across the cancer control continuum, cancer prevention was the most common stage investigated. NCI support of cancer communication research has been an important source of growth for health communication science over the last 12 years. The analysis' findings describe NCI's priorities in cancer communication science and suggest areas for future investments.

Hypothesis Generation for Childhood Cancer Communication Research

Secondary analysis of existing qualitative datasets offers an opportunity to efficiently use these difficult-to-collect data to generate hypotheses for future research and expand understanding of the phenomena under study. We conducted a retrospective interpretation of two qualitative datasets regarding childhood cancer treatment decision making to elaborate themes regarding parents' cancer communication (information sharing and involvement of their children in treatment decision making) that were not fully developed in the original analyses. We identified broad variability in parents' cancer communication that was not entirely dependent upon the age of their ill child. We were able to generate multiple hypotheses to help guide our future research.

PS1-10: Patient-Centered Cancer Communication and Care Coordination Research in the Cancer Communication Research Center

Background/Aims For over four years, CRN Cancer Communication Research Center (CCRC)-affiliated investigators have conducted research into patient-centered cancer communication and care coordination. One of 5 National Cancer Institute-funded Centers of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research, the CRN CCRC is the only center whose primary focus is studying and improving clinical care. This abstract describes CCRC research, lessons learned, and future directions.

PS1-21: Developing New Products to Support Patient-Centered Cancer Communication: A Case Example from the Cancer Communication Research Center

Background/Aims The Cancer Research Network Cancer Communication Research Center (CCRC), one of five National Cancer Institute-funded Centers of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research, had the unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct real world testing of an NCI-developed decision aid. This abstract describes the feasibility and small scale implementation testing of the NCI-developed cancer prognostic tool, the Cancer Survival Query System (CSQS).

PS1-11: A Dissemination and Implementation Research Agenda for the Cancer Research Network: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Background/Aims2013 is the fifth year for the Cancer Research Network’s (CRN) only funded research center, the Cancer Communication Research Center (CCRC), an NCI-designated Center of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research (CECCR). This CRN center has sister centers at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Washington University in St. Louis. An emphasis of the CRN center has been the application and study of dissemination and implementation (DI a recommendation that implementation research be clearly distinguished as consisting of two types is made; greater emphasis is called for to study the sustainability of effective practices and programs by identifying key outputs and outcomes that constitute sustainability. Lastly, a research agenda is proposed that lists key topics for study concerning dissemination, implementation, and sustainability for the CRN.ConclusionsFederal attention to issues of dissemination and implementation research in health is rapidly escalating. The new Cancer Research Network 4 has the opportunity to lead the nation in demonstrating innovative and effective approaches to the study of D&I. Expertise for this research expertise will be a primary legacy of the Cancer Communication Research Center.

The Communications Revolution and Health Inequalities in the 21st Century: Implications for Cancer Control

The radical and transformative developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) offer unprecedented opportunities to promote cancer control and enhance population and individual health. However, the current context in which these technologies are being deployed--where cancer incidence and mortality and communication are characterized by inequalities among different racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status groups--raises important questions for cancer communication research, policy, and practice. Drawing on illustrative data, this essay characterizes the communications revolution and elucidates its implications for cancer control, with a particular focus on communication inequalities and cancer disparities.

PS2-10: The CRN Cancer Communication Research Center

Sarah D Madrid, MA, James W Dearing, PhD, Russell E Glasgow, PhD, Borsika A Rabin, PhD, Kathleen Mazor, EdD and Edward H Wagner, MD, MPH Sarah D Madrid, MA, CRN Cancer Communication Research Center [CCRC], Kaiser Permanente Colorado; James W Dearing, PhD, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, CRN Cancer Communication Research Center; Russell E Glasgow, PhD, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, CRN Cancer Communication Research Center; Borsika A Rabin, PhD, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, CRN Cancer Communication Research Center; Kathleen Mazor, EdD, Meyers Primary Care Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School; Edward H Wagner, MD, MPH, Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative

Bridging the critical chasm between service and research: The Cancer Information Service’s collaboratory

As acollaboratory for cancer communication and education research, the National Cancer Institute’s (NCIs) Cancer Information Service (CIS) is in an ideal position to bridge the critical chasm that exists between service and research. This article describes the CIS’ current research program as well as the CIS Research Agenda launched in 2005. The CIS’ progress in developing and supporting recently funded studies that address this agenda is detailed. The unique resources and opportunities available to researchers, public health practitioners, health care providers, and community-based organizations interested in developing collaborative cancer communication and cancer education studies with the CIS are identified and described and an invitation to collaborate is extended.

Centering families in cancer communication research: acknowledging the impact of support, culture and process on client/provider communication in cancer management

Cancer management occurs within a system of relationships. Advancing a context based view of client provider communication, we first posit that family is central to client provider communication in cancer management. This premise is followed by three additional premises that emphasize the importance of culture, disease stage and communication styles, within this family-centered perspective. Supporting research questions are offered for each premise and implications of this approach for client, family, and provider communication and for client outcomes are offered.