Beyond one-size-fits-all: mapping information-seeking and decision-making pathways in cancer care.

Authors

Neta Shanwetter Levit, Mor Saban

Published in

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. Volume 34. Issue 10. Sep 22, 2026. Epub Sep 22, 2026.

Abstract

To identify distinct archetypes among adult cancer patients based on information-seeking patterns from symptom onset to treatment initiation, including the use of digital and emerging technologies such as generative AI, and to characterize the decision-making dilemmas associated with these pathways.
We conducted a cross-sectional study in Israel, between February 2025 and December 2025, among 205 adult cancer patients to examine patterns of information seeking and decision-making during the period from symptom onset to treatment initiation. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing reliance on multiple information sources-including medical professionals, family members, digital resources, and generative AI-based tools-before and after diagnosis, along with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Patient archetypes were identified using cluster analysis, and decision-making dilemmas were explored using two methods (investigator-led constant comparative analysis and LLM) for open-ended responses.
Four distinct information-seeking archetypes were identified: Digital Natives (27.6%), Family-Centered (38.8%), Balanced Traditional (25.0%), and Medical Professional-Focused (8.6%). Archetypes differed significantly by age, education, and the strongest differentiating factor (p = 0.005)-religiosity. Across archetypes, information seeking intensified after diagnosis, relying mostly on family members, internet sources, and additional medical professionals, whereas reliance on generative AI-based tools remained consistently low. Among respondents to the open-ended question, 86% reported significant decision-making dilemmas, most commonly related to treatment selection and choice of healthcare provider or facility.
The marked heterogeneity observed in patients' information-seeking and decision-making pathways highlights the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all approaches in early cancer care. Implementing tailored, culturally responsive decision support may better align care with patients' needs during this critical phase.

PMID:
42773358
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Sep 2026.

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