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Research and new methods

Does technology replace the doctor

No. Computer programs measure, count and compare, but the doctor assesses the patient's whole situation, wishes and risks.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A doctor and a smiling patient shaking hands in a bright room
Figure 1.Doctor and patient

01Short answer

A program sees one part, such as a cell count or a genetic change. The doctor combines this with symptoms, other illnesses, age, living situation and your preferences, and chooses treatment together with you. Technology can save the doctor time and reduce errors, but responsibility and communication stay with people. Online “symptom checkers” do not replace an examination.

02Simple explanation

The tool helps.

The decision is shared.

The doctor is responsible.

Ask questions.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: reliable information complements a conversation with your doctor; it does not replace it.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

The role of technology

Precision and speed.

A bridge
Figure 2.A bridge — Does technology replace the doctor

The role of the doctor

The whole picture, explanation and a shared decision.

Support
Figure 3.Support — Does technology replace the doctor

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The role of technologyPrecision and speed.
The role of the doctorThe whole picture, explanation and a shared decision.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Clinical decision
The choice of treatment made by doctor and patient.
Symptom checker
An online question-and-answer program.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I trust an online program?

For information; for decisions, go to your doctor.

Can I ask my doctor which tests were done?

Yes, that is your right.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I trust an online program?

  2. Can I ask my doctor which tests were done?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: bioinformatics
  2. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  3. National Cancer Institute. Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov
  7. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum. Krebsinformationsdienst
  8. KWF / NFK / IKNL. Kanker.nl
  9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Drug Development Process
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: preclinical study
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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