The call for a strategic framework to improve cancer literacy in Europe

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is increasingly being recognized as a widespread public health challenge in Europe. This commentary explores the importance of health literacy amongst cancer patients (ie, cancer literacy) and examines how cancer literacy can be improved through the practical application of health literacy principles within the context of providing timely, patient-centered, value-based care in Europe. Main body: Despite implementation of evidence-based cancer prevention programs and increased cancer survival rates, low cancer literacy may impact the personal capacity to manage risks and adversely impact behavior and outcomes. Cancer literacy poses a unique set of challenges compared to other types of health literacy, as patient decisions regarding screening, treatment, and side effect management are often complex, and timely decisionmaking is more critical. Accordingly, European health policies increasingly recognize the importance of health literacy. The European Patients Forum, European Cancer Patient Coalition, and the Association of European Cancer Leagues supported a joint statement, "Europe Let's Do More for Health," which emphasizes the need to empower citizens and patients by addressing health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making. Implementation of comprehensive programs and strategies will be important to improve health literacy. Cancer literacy can be improved through application of health literacy principles in the communication and cooperation with professionals, patients and caregivers for providing timely, patient-centered, value-based care. Recommendations are made for further action to improve cancer literacy in Europe through coordinated efforts among providers, organizations, patients, and research. A policy paper developed by the European Joint Action on Cancer Control provides practical recommendations that Member States can take to reduce social inequalities in cancer care and defines focus areas that are closely connected with the need to improve cancer literacy. Conclusion: Improved personal cancer literacy combined with health literate organizations and systems can potentially improve the quality of care and health outcomes among patients with cancer. National Cancer Control Plans and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan can strengthen cancer literacy.

Development and psychometric properties of a brief generic cancer knowledge scale for patients (BCKS-10)

“…These findings also hold true for cancer literacy. In terms of complex chronic diseases like cancer and a more and more challenging navigation within the health care systems, cancer knowledge is a substantial component of patients’ health, well-being and patient safety [ 5 ]. One study showed that health literacy, assessed by an objective knowledge test, is an independent predictor of cancer patients’ hospitalizations in the first five years after their diagnosis [ 6 ].…”

“…in terms of early detection). However, cancer patients need particular knowledge about treatment options, medical terms and definitions [ 5 ]. Furthermore, many studies defined knowledge solely relating to symptom interpretation and not as a multidimensional construct [ 16 ].…”

Patients' health literacy is associated with timely diagnosis of cancer—A cross‐sectional study in Denmark

“…The health literacy level (HLL) of patients may provide useful insights into differences and potential inequalities of the timely diagnosis of cancer (Sørensen et al, 2020). HL is a broad and evolving concept including both skills with regard to reading and understanding health information, but the construct also includes how this information is being applied to the health behaviour and decision-making of patients in everyday life as well as to their interaction with health professionals (Berkman et al, 2010).…”

Complementary Medicine in Cancer Patients in The View of Health Literacy

“…This theory has been already proven by Cartwright et al (2017), as they found negative correlation between health literacy and hospitalizations [7]. Not to mention, there has been present literature about the development of health literacy at cancer patients [8]. For that, in our work we wanted to characterize the health literacy of the Oncology Center of Semmelweis University's patients about the utilized food supplements, and functional foods, then describe intervention points.…”