Have You Used ChatGPT for Cancer Information? Share Your Experience

ChatGPT Use and Trust in Physicians

ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots are opening a new chapter in healthcare. Their role is increasingly discussed, particularly in information-intensive conditions such as cancer. How do patients and their families actually use these tools? What do they do with the information, and how does it affect communication with their physicians?

We are conducting a scientific survey to explore these questions. Our aim is to understand how people with cancer and their relatives use tools such as ChatGPT and how this information affects trust in physicians, decision-making, and the overall experience .

If you are a person with cancer or someone caring for a relative, completing this survey can contribute to our research.

Privacy and Ethics

• The survey is completely anonymous: No identifying information or contact details are requested.
• All responses will be used solely for scientific analysis .
• Participation is entirely voluntary , and you may stop at any time.

Participation takes only 5 minutes.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

ChatGPT and Cancer Patients: Access to Information and Trust in Physicians

Use of AI chatbots, particularly large language models such as ChatGPT, in healthcare has grown rapidly. Patients and caregivers increasingly use them as information sources for complex, long-term, information-intensive conditions such as cancer. This review summarizes how patients and their families use ChatGPT, its potential effects on trust in physicians, and comparisons with conventional information sources.

1. How Cancer Patients Use ChatGPT

In the US, a 2024 survey found that 17% of adults regularly used AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, for health information, rising to 25% among younger people. The limited studies specifically involving cancer patients report several reasons for preferring ChatGPT:

• Accessibility (round-the-clock availability, 7/24)
• Absence of pressure felt during a medical consultation
• A need for quick information about adverse effects, nutrition, and treatment options

Relatives also view these technologies positively. Studies have found higher satisfaction among patients' relatives than among professional caregivers. In another study,relatives rated ChatGPT's "usefulness" at 3.77 out of 5, compared with 3.13 among professional caregivers.

2. ChatGPT Information Quality and Understandability

Studies have evaluated the accuracy and readability of ChatGPT answers to common cancer questions:

• In one study,information about 13 common cancer myths on the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) website was compared with ChatGPT. Experts rated ChatGPT's answers as 96.9% accurate.
• In another study on oral cancer,experts rated ChatGPT answers to 20 frequently asked questions as "good" or "very good" in 98% of cases.

However, important limitations have also been reported:

• ChatGPT sometimes invents references or supplies information that appears correct but is medically inaccurate. JAMA Oncologypublished a study in which approximately one-third of ChatGPT's cancer treatment recommendations conflicted with current guidelines.
• Missing sources or fabricated references make accuracy difficult to verify.

3. Do Patients Who Use ChatGPT Trust Physicians Less?

A key question is how obtaining information from an AI tool such as ChatGPT affects patients' trust in their doctors.

• Some research suggests that patients prefer ChatGPT answers to physicians' responses because they find them "empathetic" and understandable.
• For example, in a pediatric experiment, half of the parents could not distinguish ChatGPT's answer from a doctor's. Those who could distinguish them generally found ChatGPT's response more trustworthy.

However, existing evidence does not clearly show that use reduces trust in physicians. Some findings instead suggest it may reinforce physicians' roles because ChatGPT answers often conclude with advice to "talk to your doctor."

4. ChatGPT, Google, or Social Media?

Compared with conventional sources such as Google searches, social media, and patient forums, AI tools such as ChatGPT have different benefits and risks:

ChatGPT stands out as an ideal source for preliminary information, preparing for a medical appointment, or learning basic terminology.

5. Gaps in the Literature and This Study's Contribution

Important gaps remain:

• Data on how often patients and their relatives use ChatGPT, and for which purposes, are insufficient.
• No direct study has yet measured whether AI use increases or decreases trust in physicians.
• In particular, no study has been conducted in a Turkish-speaking population.

Our planned web-based survey will therefore:

• For the first time in the literature, specifically among Turkish-speaking cancer patients, examine ChatGPT use;
• measure the relationship between AI use and trust in physicians, filling an important gap;
• and use open-ended questions to explore why people feel the need to turn to ChatGPT.

Conclusion

Used with appropriate guidance, ChatGPT and similar tools could improve patient education and awareness and complement the physician-patient relationship. However, the risks of inaccurate information and overreliance require careful use.

We hope this study will be a valuable step toward understanding this complex relationship scientifically and ethically.

By sharing this article on social media, you can help more patients contribute their views.