Press Release
2025-09-23
CancerCare Highlights New Study on Practical Tool to Elevate Patient Priorities in Cancer Care
A study published in Cancer Medicine, “Because Doing ‘It’ Matters to Patients: Development and Evaluation of a ‘What Matters to Me’ Worksheet,” describes a new practical tool designed to help people with cancer communicate their personal priorities so those values guide care planning.
The What Matters to Me (WMTM) worksheet was developed by CancerCare’s Patient Values Initiative Advisory Board, which was convened to reframe the national health care policy dialogue to include what is important to patients and their families, and to incorporate patients’ values and priorities into treatment decision-making models. The WMTM worksheet was specifically designed to facilitate conversations between patients and clinicians about quality-of-life priorities—both during treatment planning and at points of transition in care.
The study’s co-authors include Ellen Miller-Sonet, former Chief Strategy and Policy Officer at CancerCare, along with leaders in oncology, nursing and patient advocacy.
Christine Verini, CEO, CancerCare, said “CancerCare has long believed that cancer treatment decisions must reflect the voices and values of patients and their families. The What Matters to Me worksheet is an important step forward in making that possible. By providing a simple way for patients to share what matters most in their lives, this tool helps ensure that every care plan is guided by the best medical evidence while also aligning with each patient’s individual priorities.”
CancerCare’s Perspective
● The WMTM worksheet has the potential to strengthen shared decision-making (SDM), considered the gold standard of care. By complementing existing patient decision aids, the tool can make discussions about treatment options more meaningful by grounding them in patients’ quality-of-life concerns—signaling that the care team values patient input.
● The approach also shows particular promise for medically underserved communities. Patients who were less comfortable speaking English were more willing to share concerns using the worksheet, suggesting it may help reduce communication barriers and foster trust between patients and clinicians.
● Oncology social workers and navigators are uniquely positioned to support patients in using tools like the WMTM Worksheet to make their voices heard.
About CancerCare®
For over 80 years, CancerCare has empowered millions of people affected by cancer through free counseling, support groups, educational resources, advocacy and financial assistance. Our oncology social workers improve the lives of people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, survivors and the bereaved by addressing their emotional, practical and financial challenges. To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org.