How Do Doctors Help Patients Manage Cancer Treatment Expectations?

A breast cancer surgeon explains how doctors help patients learn what to expect from treatment.

Amanda M. Woodworth, MD, a breast cancer surgeon and director of breast health with Keck Medicine of USC and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, explains how she helps patients understand what to expect from treatment. 

With breast cancer — and cancer diagnoses in general — treatment strategies and outcomes vary greatly according to the patient and the biology of their cancer. So, the very first step in helping patients manage expectations is helping them truly understand the nuances of their diagnosis. It’s important that patients understand their specific condition so they can ask questions and decide which treatment will be best for them and align with their goals.  

As their doctor, it’s important for me to give patients medically accurate resources that are fact-based, not fear-based. I always tell my patients, ‘Please don’t Google breast cancer.’ Instead, I provide them with evidence-based websites and informational resources that are easy to understand. 

Transparency is also key to helping patients manage their expectations of treatment. I always give patients copies of their test results and diagnostic imaging to make sure they can see and understand why I’m making certain recommendations. I also make sure to let them know what results I’ll be looking for as their treatment progresses. This helps them understand if we might need to change the course of the treatment at some point and informs them in advance of the different treatment courses we might take. I always encourage patients to bring a second set of ears with them to appointments to help them remember everything that was said. 

Finally, as a doctor, managing patient expectations starts with actively listening to patients. You can’t manage their expectations until you truly understand their questions, concerns and goals. 

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