'You Have Cancer' Tends to Stun Memory
After doctor reveals diagnosis, people seem to remember little else
 (HealthDay News) -- Not surprisingly, people who are told that they have cancer tend to remember little from the conversation that follows the news of their diagnosis. The worse the cancer or the older the patient, the worse the recall later.
An international study found that people remember less than half of what they're told during the appointment at which they learned they had cancer.
"In general, patients do not hear much of what is said after bad news is delivered," the researchers wrote in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. "In this study, more than half of the provided information was forgotten."
Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, agreed. "This is almost a universal problem," he told HealthDay. "Doctors are trying to understand what patients take out of any medical encounter. Here we have a life-threatening situation, and patients forget over half of what they're told."
Part of the problem, he said, is that physicians are trying to convey as much information as possible so that people understand their options, but this just might not be appropriate for the initial appointment.
"Many conscientious physicians want to make sure that the patient has enough information, and what they might not realize is that it's almost a self-defeating process," Lichtenfeld said.
To get an idea of what people remember from their doctor visits, the researchers recorded the first appointment with an oncologist by 260 people receiving a cancer diagnosis. Afterwards, the researchers spoke with the people by telephone and compared what they remembered to what was on the recordings.
People younger than 65 remembered about 49.5 percent of the conversation, whereas those 65 and older retained 48.4 percent. People with a worse prognosis tended to recall less information, too.
Many doctors are already well aware that patients won't retain much information from the first appointment. Dr. Jay Brooks, chairman of hematology and oncology at Ochsner Health System in Baton Rouge, La., said he always suggests that people bring family members to their appointments.
And, he said of that initial appointment, "all patients leave with a copy of their pathology reports and information on the specifics of their treatment plan." Additionally, a second appointment is generally scheduled for three to five days later.
Whether someone is going for a first appointment or a 10th, however, communicating effectively with an oncologist can only help. Experts from CancerCare in New York suggest that patients:
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Try to learn as much as possible about their cancer. The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute have reputable Web sites that offer information.
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Before the appointment, write down possible questions so they're not forgotten and all needed information is obtained.
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If possible, take a tape recorder to the appointment. At least bring paper and pencil to write down the doctor's answers and instructions.
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If something is unclear, repeat it back to the doctor to make sure you've understood.
On the Web
To learn more about communicating with your doctor, visit the American Cancer Society.
SOURCES:
HealthDay News; Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta; Jay Brooks, M.D., chairman, hematology/oncology, Ochsner Health System, Baton Rouge, La.; Nov. 20, 2008, Journal of Clinical Oncology; CancerCare (www.cancercare.org)
Author:
Serena Gordon
Publication Date:
Nov. 30, 2009
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