Research Reveals Communication Gaps and Emphasizes Shared Decision-Making in Lung Cancer Diagnosis

A comprehensive survey conducted by Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) has shed light on significant communication barriers faced by lung cancer patients and caregivers across Europe. The study, presented at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer organized by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, highlights the urgent need to improve information dissemination and shared decision-making within healthcare systems.

The survey gathered responses from 2,040 individuals spanning 34 countries in the WHO European Region, offering insights into their knowledge about lung cancer, access to relevant information, and involvement in treatment decisions. Findings indicate that many patients delay seeking medical care due to unrecognized symptoms, with 65% reporting such delays. Moreover, a substantial portion of respondents—22%—were unaware of biomarkers, and 24% had limited understanding of their prognosis.

Participants expressed frustration over the lack of sufficient information, with 40% indicating they did not receive enough details and 29% admitting they did not fully comprehend what information they did receive. The dominant barriers identified included complex medical language, lack of clarity, and information processing difficulties. Only 56% felt their opinions were considered in treatment decisions, while 60% believed their care plans aligned with personal preferences.

A key obstacle to effective shared decision-making was the use of complex medical terminology, cited by 49% of respondents. Interestingly, while most valued both quality and length of life equally, about one-third prioritized quality of life over quantity, emphasizing the importance of personalized healthcare discussions.

Debra Montague of LuCE stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to enhance communication, promote early diagnosis, and facilitate shared decision-making. She emphasized that enabling patients to actively participate in their care through clear and accessible information is crucial to delivering person-centered, high-quality healthcare.

Overall, the study underscores the need for improvements in communication strategies to empower patients and improve outcomes in lung cancer management.