Cancer patients misinformed due to overwhelming data and misinformation

On December 6, 2024, experts gathered in Washington to address the challenges posed by misinformation in cancer care at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Patient Advocacy Summit. The attendees emphasized the necessity to combat information overload and ensure that patients receive clear, trustworthy information regarding their care. Particularly highlighted was the collaboration among different organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute and NCCN, to provide accurate information that meets patients' needs. Presentations included the importance of using easy-to-understand health messaging to build trust and enhance patient understanding, especially for marginalized communities and younger audiences. Dr. Rathmell from the NCCN stressed the critical role of providing patients with reliable information to empower them in making informed decisions about their health. The summit also featured insights from various speakers on the need to prevent the spread of misinformation. Martha Dawson, DNP, RN, FAAN noted that lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of engaging trusted community figures to debunk myths and misinterpretations. Skyler Johnson, MD, also emphasized that misinformation delays treatment and undermines patient-provider trust. The discussions focused not just on addressing the challenges of healthcare messaging but also on fostering partnerships across sectors to effectively tackle misinformation and ensure equitable access to clinical trials and care. The value of reaching communities where individuals live, work, and worship was considered crucial for disseminating accurate cancer-related information. Moreover, Dorothy Shead presented the NCCN Guidelines for Patients, which are freely available through their website and dedicated app. These guidelines represent an effort to ensure that patients have access to vital information tailored to their situation. The summit concluded with a call to action for various stakeholders to recognize the benefits of collaborating with non-healthcare community members in addressing health misinformation. Information from this summit could be a turning point in how patients engage with their health information and the support available to them.