Doctor and patient collaboratively creating a cancer treatment plan.

Navigating Cancer Decisions: How Shared Decision Making Can Empower You

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new model highlights the vital roles of patients and doctors in making collaborative choices about cancer treatment."

Facing a cancer diagnosis brings a whirlwind of emotions and critical decisions. Traditionally, the physician held the primary role in determining the best course of action. However, modern healthcare increasingly emphasizes shared decision making (SDM), where patients and doctors collaborate to choose the most suitable treatment path.

But what does shared decision-making really look like in oncology? A recent study published in the journal Patient Education and Counseling sheds light on this crucial question. Researchers interviewed 76 stakeholders, including cancer patients, oncologists, nurses, and SDM researchers, to construct a comprehensive model of SDM in cancer care.

This article translates the study’s findings into actionable insights, explaining how patients can actively participate in their treatment decisions, what roles doctors play in this process, and why this collaborative approach ultimately leads to better, more personalized care.

Unpacking Shared Decision Making: What Does It Really Mean?

Doctor and patient collaboratively creating a cancer treatment plan.

Shared decision-making isn't simply about doctors informing patients of their options; it's a dynamic process built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared expertise. The study revealed that effective SDM incorporates various elements, both within and outside the consultation room.

The researchers identified key roles for both oncologists and patients throughout the SDM process. These roles are often reciprocal, with each party contributing unique knowledge and perspectives:

Oncologist’s Role:
- Determine possible treatment options based on medical evidence and patient factors.
- Clearly explain treatment options, including benefits, risks, and probabilities.
- Emphasize the importance of the patient's values and preferences.
- Actively listen to and learn about the patient's individual circumstances and concerns.
- Guide the patient through the decision-making process and provide treatment recommendations based on combined expertise.
Patient’s Role:
- Ask questions to clarify understanding of treatment options.
- Express thoughts, feelings, and anxieties openly and honestly.
- Consider treatment options carefully, weighing the pros and cons in relation to personal values.
- Offer opinions and preferences regarding treatment choices.
- Ultimately, participate in making the treatment decision, either independently or in collaboration with the oncologist.

Importantly, the study highlighted that SDM extends beyond the consultation room. Patients often need time outside appointments to consider options, discuss them with family, and seek additional information. This 'time out' is a crucial part of the process, allowing patients to arrive at a decision that aligns with their values and goals.

Why Shared Decision Making Matters: The Benefits for You

The shift towards shared decision-making in oncology represents a profound change in the doctor-patient relationship. It recognizes that patients are not passive recipients of care but active participants in shaping their treatment journey.

By embracing SDM, patients experience numerous benefits, including increased knowledge about their condition, a greater sense of control over their treatment, improved satisfaction with care, and enhanced adherence to treatment plans. Moreover, SDM can lead to treatment decisions that are better aligned with patients' values and preferences, resulting in improved quality of life.

If you're facing cancer treatment decisions, remember that you have the right to be an active participant. Ask questions, express your concerns, and work collaboratively with your oncologist to create a treatment plan that empowers you and aligns with your unique needs and goals. By embracing shared decision making, you can navigate your cancer journey with greater confidence and control.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/pon.4923, Alternate LINK

Title: Shared Decision Making In Oncology: A Model Based On Patients', Health Care Professionals', And Researchers' Views

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Psycho-Oncology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Hanna Bomhof-Roordink, Maarten J. Fischer, Nanny Van Duijn-Bakker, Monique C. Baas-Thijssen, Trudy Van Der Weijden, Anne M. Stiggelbout, Arwen H. Pieterse

Published: 2018-11-08

Everything You Need To Know

What is Shared Decision Making (SDM) in the context of cancer care?

Shared Decision Making (SDM) in oncology is a collaborative approach where patients and oncologists work together to choose the best cancer treatment path. This contrasts with the traditional model where the physician primarily dictates treatment. SDM involves mutual respect, open communication, and shared expertise. It's a dynamic process where both the oncologist and the patient actively participate, leading to more informed and personalized care.

What are the key responsibilities of an oncologist in Shared Decision Making (SDM)?

The oncologist's role in Shared Decision Making (SDM) involves several key responsibilities. Primarily, they determine potential treatment options based on medical evidence and individual patient factors. They must clearly explain these options, including benefits, risks, and probabilities, while also emphasizing the patient's values and preferences. Active listening to the patient's concerns is essential. Finally, the oncologist guides the patient through the decision-making process, offering recommendations based on their combined expertise.

What is the patient's role in Shared Decision Making (SDM)?

In Shared Decision Making (SDM), the patient's role is equally vital. Patients need to ask questions to fully understand their treatment choices and openly express their thoughts, feelings, and anxieties. They should carefully consider treatment options, weighing the pros and cons in relation to their personal values. Offering their opinions and preferences is crucial. Ultimately, patients actively participate in the treatment decision, either independently or collaboratively with their oncologist.

Why is Shared Decision Making (SDM) so important in cancer treatment?

Shared Decision Making (SDM) matters because it signifies a major change in the doctor-patient relationship in cancer care. It empowers patients to be active participants in their treatment journey, rather than passive recipients of care. This collaborative approach leads to better, more personalized care because treatment decisions are tailored to the patient's individual needs, values, and preferences, improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Does Shared Decision Making (SDM) only happen in the doctor's office?

Shared Decision Making (SDM) extends beyond the consultation room. The study highlighted the importance of 'time out' for patients. This allows them to consider their options, discuss them with family, and gather additional information. This crucial phase ensures that the final treatment decision aligns with their individual values and goals, making the decision-making process more comprehensive and patient-centered.