New research presented at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) highlights patient opinion about ways to enhance compassionate care.

According to ASTRO, researchers randomly surveyed 508 patients who received radiation treatment for breast, prostate and lung cancer between June 2006 and March 2008. Questions centered around patient-doctor relationships and specific preferences patients have of their radiation oncologist. Patients were surveyed prior to the initial consultation, at the midpoint of radiation treatment, and at the end of radiation therapy.

Some of the more significant findings were:

Hold My Hand

More than one-third (37%) of women prefer having their hand held by their oncologist during important office visits, compared to 12% of men.

Use My First Name

Almost three-quarters (72%) of patients, including the elderly, prefer being called by their first name. There is a slightly greater preference for this among females than males, and Caucasian patients compared to African American patients.

Be Honest About My Chances

Almost every patient (95%) preferred their oncologist be honest about their chances for survival. Prostate cancer patients, however, were more adamant about wanting the truth than lung cancer patients.

Use Everyday Language

95% of high school graduates prefer having radiation treatment described in everyday language compared to 91% of college graduates and 84% of post-graduate patients.

What are some ways your oncologist shows compassion? Leave a comment or share your personal experiences at the CancerCompass Message Board.