Perception Prognosis, Goals of Treatment, and Communication

Pilot Study to Investigate Advanced Cancer Patient's Perspective of Their Prognosis, Goals of Treatment, and Quality of Communication With Their Oncologists

The purpose of this research study is to assess what the participant understands about their illness, prognosis, the goals of the cancer treatment and their communication with their oncology providers. This study will help us to figure out how the investigators can improve how other patients understand their illness and goals of treatment and help us improve communication with their doctors. This research is being done because there is not a lot of information on how much patients understand about their illness and prognosis.

• Participants will be asked to answer a few basic questions regarding race, ethnicity, religion, relationship status, education, income, and living situation.
• They will then be asked to complete a questionnaire which contains questions about their mood, spirituality, quality of life and their understanding of their treatment and prognosis and their communication with their oncologist. They will complete these questionnaires in the clinic or infusion room on one of their regularly scheduled visit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed new diagnosis of advanced gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary cancer, not being treated with curative intent.
• Planning to receive chemotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital
• Ability to read and respond to questions in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior chemotherapy for current stage of disease.