Risk Assessment Remains Vital for Patients Even After Cancer Diagnosis

In an interview with CURE, Dr. Elias Obeid, a medical oncologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, discussed the importance of risk assessment for patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer.

Understanding risk does not end at diagnosis. For many patients, assessing risk provides insight into why their cancer developed and whether there may be a genetic component that could affect their future health or the health of family members.

Risk assessment also plays a key role in guiding treatment decisions. Knowing a patient’s risk profile can help doctors choose the most appropriate therapies and create a care plan tailored to the patient’s specific situation. Additionally, understanding risk can inform prevention strategies, helping patients take steps to manage their overall health and reduce the likelihood of future complications.

Obeid emphasized that risk assessment is a critical part of ongoing cancer care. It helps patients and their families understand the cancer’s causes, informs treatment options and supports strategies for long-term health, making it a valuable tool even after diagnosis.

Transcript

For patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer, how does understanding risk still matter?

Even after a cancer diagnosis, risk assessment remains a crucial part of patient care, and it is particularly important for many patients with cancer. Risk assessment helps both clinicians and patients understand, first and foremost, why the cancer occurred. It also provides insight into whether a genetic component is involved and what that may mean for the patient’s current and future health, as well as for their family members. Additionally, understanding risk can influence how the cancer is treated. Risk assessment does not stop at the time of diagnosis; rather, it continues to inform patients about their disease, their treatment options and potential prevention strategies as they move forward with their care plan.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.