The Impact of Limited Cancer Health Literacy on Patient Preference for Shared Care

Background: Patient are increasingly expected to engage in their own care. However, patients with limited health literacy often struggle with this. The expectation of patientsu0027 engagement in health care decisions by their healthcare providers likely increases the burden that cancer patients are already experiencing following a life-changing diagnosis. Involving patients with cancer in medical decision-making requires them to have an adequate understanding their disease and treatment options. Limited health literacy poses a barrier to patient engagement in their own care, contributing to health disparities and poorer cancer outcomes. Aim: Our primary objective was to determine levels of health literacy among patients with cancer and the extent of its association with patient preference for care. We also sought to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with limited cancer health literacy. Methods: As part of a larger prospective cohort study, N = 345 adult cancer patients attendin...