August 30, 2024
Prostate Cancer is Personal – A Man’s Treatment Should Be Too.
More than 100 men out of 100,000 are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Throughout my career as a urologist, I have had the distinct honor and privilege to care for hundreds of men (and their loved ones) facing a sometimes-shocking prostate cancer diagnosis. While technology has advanced rapidly and in life-saving ways for many men with prostate cancer, it is crucial to remember that a personalized approach, which considers each man as an individual human being – not an accumulation of cancer cells, is of utmost importance. This personalized care makes you, as a patient, feel valued understood, and results in more directed treatment.
I recently wrote about the promise and potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in helping to diagnose prostate cancer early and accurately. While AI can help urologists and oncologists in various innovative ways, it will never replace the doctor-patient relationship. This relationship, built on trust and understanding, is what makes you, as a patient, feel reassured and confident. Humans are beautifully complicated creatures, and technology (including AI) can't become our dominant tool to understand them.
A prostate cancer diagnosis with the same stage, grade, and overall characteristics in two men can result in wildly different outcomes for each of them based on a wide array of very human factors. These factors can include genetic, age, lifestyle, career choice, geographic location, and many others. When I am discussing prostate cancer treatment options with men who might have very similar diagnoses 'on paper,' these factors play a crucial role in determining the most effective treatment plan.
Computer-generated algorithms or tools may act as adjuncts to the physician’s knowledge base, training, expertise, and experience. And while AI may over time become a necessary tool, it will not be sufficient. Robots aren't people, plain and simple. For example, robotic prostate cancer surgery is a treatment option that I use and advocate the benefits of for certain men with certain types of prostate cancer. However, robotic technology's fullest promise and likeliest successful outcome can only be realized when it is in the hands of and utilized by a skilled surgeon whose training and expertise are vast. This emphasis on the doctor's expertise makes you, as a patient, feel secure and in good hands. In essence, technology is only "good" when used by a human who is good at what they do.
If you (or a loved one) are facing a recent prostate cancer diagnosis – the professional you choose to advise you in that diagnosis matters immensely. Some human characteristics and qualities of the doctor-patient relationship that are incredibly important include:
- Communication – A doctor who takes their time with you, actively listens, and wants to partner in your treatment.
- Trust—Beyond a physician's qualifications, training, and experience, you should be confident in the treatment recommendations they provide.
- Knowledge – Especially in cases where the prostate cancer diagnosis includes variables that aren't "standard," you want to be assured that the doctor is knowledgeable in the recommended approach to treatment.
- Respect – Your treatment goals and other lifestyle factors that make you, should be valued and taken to heart when consulting with a surgeon about prostate cancer treatment. These factors can include your daily routine, dietary preferences, and physical activity levels, among others.
- Empathy – A cancer diagnosis is an emotional experience for many men and their loved ones. Choosing a physician who empathizes with your specific circumstances is crucial.
The Oxford Dictionary defines "soft skills" as "personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people." AI is awesome and is shaping up to be a powerful tool available to physicians who know how to use it and understand its limitation. AI will not replace the physician’s soft skills and will not correctly factor the nuances of a patient’s complex set of physical, psychological, and individual characteristics of his cancer. Finding a provider who you believe strikes a healthy balance between advanced technology utilization and strong people skills will be your best bet now and in the future.
