The Importance of Having Difficult Conversations with Patients

Understanding how to navigate difficult conversations with patients facing advanced-stage cancer is an important part of shared decision making and ensuring patients feel engaged with their treatment plan. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS, and associate professor of Hematology and Oncology at Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill., on her approach to engaging patients in shared decision making and dispelling myths about palliative/supportive care, as well as Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C and senior director of Education for Cancer Support Community on tips and resources they have developed to help patients have conversations with their care team members. Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS Associate Professor, Hematology and Oncology Northwestern University Chicago, IL Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C Senior Director, Education Cancer Support Community Philadelphia, PA Resources: Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Effective Practices in Multidisciplinary Care Talking About Squamous Cell Skin Cancer – Cancer Support Community Talking About Basal Cell Skin Cancer – Cancer Support Community Caring for Someone with Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer – Frankly Speaking About Cancer Skin Cancer Education & Research Foundation