According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute’s 2024 publication on the prevalence of cancer survivors in the United States, “Cancer survivors are growing in number.” Most of these survivors are long-term and very long-term survivors, “representing a substantial proportion of the US population.”
With advancements in treatment and early detection, more individuals are surviving cancer and living longer. However, these survivors require ongoing physical and emotional care.
Helping cancer survivors cope
The National Cancer Institute states that “many cancer survivors don’t feel like celebrating [survivorship] or don’t feel ready to move on with their lives.”
As Dr. Karen Syrjala, a clinical psychologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, notes, “Fear of recurrence is the most common emotional difficulty that people tell us they have after they’ve completed [cancer] treatment.” While some anxiety is to be expected, for many survivors, this fear can become overwhelming and debilitating, she added.
Ashley Wilder Smith, Ph.D., M.P.H., chief of NCI’s Outcomes Research Branch said, “Cancer is many diseases and has many different trajectories, and researchers are exploring lots of ways to support cancer patients and survivors as they go through this experience,” Dr. Smith said.
Supporting cancer survivors via text messages
Research shows that receiving regular text messages can help cancer survivors cope after treatment.
An Australian study on supporting breast cancer survivors shows that “text message programs [are] a low-cost way to deliver post-treatment health support to breast cancer survivors in a non-invasive way.”
The study also identifies the main themes that made these text messages effective:
· Accessible language: Simple language, free of medical jargon, and accessible to the general population.
· Tips for lifestyle changes: Practical advice on coping with lifestyle changes post-treatment, including managing moods, hormone medication, and other post-cancer challenges.
· Message variety and practical advice: Text messages including different topics and content with different perspectives or new resources.
· Positively toned and self-care messages: Encouraging, uplifting messages that helped survivors feel supported, especially during tough times.
· Message frequency: Preferences for message frequency varied, with some finding four messages a week sufficient, and others wishing for more frequent communication.
· Message timing: Participants found that receiving messages at flexible times (not early morning) suited their schedules best.
· Continued care and support: Messages were seen as a continuation of care, offering emotional support and reminding survivors they weren’t alone.
· Convenience and flexibility of message delivery: Participants appreciated that they could read messages at a convenient time, based on their personal preference.
· Links to websites with additional information: Texts that included links to external resources were helpful, providing access to relevant programs and additional support.
Ultimately, the study found that a lifestyle-focused text message program can improve patient-provider communication.
However, participants also noted several suggestions for improvement:
1. Receiving information from a credible source
“Participants also wanted to hear about the program from someone who they feel is credible (e.g. breast care nurse, oncologist, breast cancer institute, GP).” Receiving texts directly from their healthcare provider would help survivors trust the information they were given.
2. Availability to all cancer patients
Study participants suggested that text message-based support “should be available to all patients with cancer, tailored to each type of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, post-active-treatment) and more web links.”
3. Program duration
Many participants wanted the option to continue receiving messages longer, with some suggesting follow-up messages even after a year. A 53-year-old female suggests, “To extend it to 12 months or longer if possible, would be awesome.”
4. One-way communication
While one-way communication was generally acceptable, some participants wanted to reply to their healthcare provider for additional support and clarification.
As a participant stated, “The ability to reply to that text with a question… if [the message] came from a breast care nurse or somebody that could help.”
Another said, “There are times we want to get someone to help sort out a bit of confusion and no one is there to talk to…”
5. Paying for the program
Some participants noted that they would be willing to pay for the program, but suffer the ongoing financial stresses associated with the cancer. “I think you will have better uptake if the individual doesn’t have to pay for it,” one participant said.
How can US healthcare providers build on these findings?
HIPAA compliant text messaging
In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that covered entities, including healthcare providers, safeguard individuals’ protected health information (PHI) from unauthorized access and interception.
Providers must use a HIPAA compliant text messaging solution, like Paubox, which offers advanced encryption, access controls, and authentication methods to safeguard PHI during transmission and at rest.
It gives the intended recipient direct access to the information they need while helping healthcare providers avoid the costly implications of HIPAA violations.
How HIPAA compliant texts can support cancer survivors
Secure text messaging
Paubox text messaging automatically encrypts outgoing messages, upholding federal regulations while securing patient data. It allows healthcare providers to securely send medical advice, appointment reminders, and mental health resources directly to the recipient’s cell phone.
Receiving information from a credible source
HIPAA compliant text messaging gives survivors information directly from their trusted healthcare providers, like their breast care nurses, oncologists, or general practitioners.
It safeguards patient data and verifies the sender’s identity, reinforcing trust in the information provided. Healthcare institutions can also personalize messages based on each patient’s treatment stage to strengthen credibility.
Furthermore, secure texts can help streamline communication between oncologists, nurses, and primary care doctors, so survivors receive coordinated care.
Availability to all cancer patients
These secure texts can be tailored to all cancer patients, offering specific support based on their treatment plans. For example, a survivor recovering from surgery might receive texts with post-op care tips, while someone undergoing chemotherapy might get hydration and nausea management strategies.
HIPAA compliant texts can also include secure web links and additional resources, so healthcare providers can create a scalable, inclusive support system that’s accessible to different patients.
Long term support
HIPAA compliant messaging platforms allow healthcare providers to design long-term communication plans. Patients can opt into extended programs or receive follow-up messages after the initial treatment phase.
Healthcare providers can continue sending reminders, coping strategies, and health updates for months or even years after treatment. So, a patient who finishes active treatment could still get texts reminding them about follow-up screenings, mental health resources, or lifestyle adjustments.
These texts can encourage continued engagement that promotes healthy habits, medication adherence, and emotional well-being over time.
Reduce appointment cancellations and no-shows
Providers can use HIPAA compliant text messages with a simple reminder of the patient’s next appointment time, location, and preparation tips, reducing the risk of missed sessions.
These secure texts can help survivors keep track of upcoming doctor visits, lab tests, and follow-ups, preventing missed appointments that could delay follow-up treatment and recovery.
Emotional and mental health support
HIPAA compliant texts can provide encouragement, coping strategies, and mental health resources. So, providers can send survivors struggling with anxiety post-treatment guided exercises or secure links to virtual support groups that will offer comfort and connection.
Affordability
HIPAA compliant text message solutions, like Paubox, come at no additional cost to patients. Additionally, it allows open communication where survivors don’t have to pay for unnecessary appointments or hospital visits.
So, instead of scheduling an in-person visit for minor concerns, a patient could receive medication reminders or self-care tips via secure text, saving time and money.
Two-way communication
Secure text messaging solutions facilitate bi-directional communication so survivors can respond with questions while maintaining privacy. These solutions outperform patient portals, offering user-friendly, convenient, and secure patient-provider communication.
Let’s say a breast cancer survivor experiences unexpected fatigue and dizziness. Instead of logging into a patient portal, navigating complicated menus, and waiting for a response, they can directly text their provider. Their provider can then use HIPAA compliant texts to respond with hydration tips and schedule same-day virtual appointments if the symptoms persist.
Ultimately, it gives survivors the support they need, eliminating unnecessary delays or the frustration of complex portals.
Read also:
- Using text messages to promote cancer screening
- Using text messaging to facilitate self-management of long-term illness
FAQs
Can HIPAA compliant text messages be automated?
Yes, healthcare providers can automate HIPAA compliant texts to streamline and optimize communication processes. For example, sending appointment reminders, delivering test results, or providing educational content to patients.
Can HIPAA compliant texts be personalized?
Yes, providers can use Paubox text messaging to personalize texts based on individual needs, preferences, and medical history. Personalization can include addressing the patient by name, providing customized medication reminders, and offering relevant health information.
Do personalized HIPAA compliant texts enhance patient engagement?
Yes, providers can personalize HIPAA compliant text messages using patient-specific information and reminders, which can help increase patient engagement and improve overall health outcomes.
Go deeper: Improve patient engagement with HIPAA compliant text messages