Understanding Patient Perspectives on the Risks of Ionizing Radiation Used for Medical Imaging

Understanding Patient Perspectives on the Risks of Ionizing Radiation Used for Medical Imaging

Risks from imaging-related radiation exposure have become a popular topic in the media. Because these tests are commonly applied to patients at a cancer center, it is important to understand what patients know, how they feel about what they know, where they get their information, and how satisfied they are with available risk-benefit communication on this topic.

The purpose of this study is to understand how cancer patients perceive risks and benefits of diagnostic radiation and their satisfaction with healthcare communication on this topic.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-language fluent
• 18 years of age, or older
• Provide informed consent
• Group 1: Patients undergoing chemotherapy for Stage IV colorectal carcinoma.
• Group 2: Parents of pediatric patients who have undergone treatment for stage 1-3 neuroblastoma.
• Group 3: Women who have undergone treatment for early stage breast cancer within the preceding 6 months.
• Group 4: Men undergoing surveillance imaging after treatment for testicular cancer.
• Group 5: Patients currently or previously enrolled in the MSKCC lung cancer screening program.
• Group 6: Patients enrolled in or eligible for the thoracic survivorship program.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who don't speak English