Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Cancer Survivor Program OutWithCancer Network

Cancer patients and their doctors are not speaking on the same level. Oncologists encountered few empathic opportunities and responded with empathic statements infrequently. Empathic responses were more prevalent among younger oncologists and among those who were self-rated as socioemotional. To reduce patient anxiety and increase patient satisfaction and adherence, oncologists may need training to encourage patients to express emotions and to respond empathically to patients’ emotions. (Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 25, No 36 (December 20), 2007: pp. 5748-5752 ) Malecare’s LGBT cancer project addresses  deficiencies in oncologists empathy and understanding of the impact of cancer on individual LGBT patients.