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Oncology Assessment Tools

The diagnosis or risk of cancer brings a host of questions, both for the patient and the physician. There are a number of assessment tools used in the field of oncology to predict the likelihood of cancer, the physical effect of the cancer and treatment on the patient, and the patient's coping ability. These assessment tools are often used through a questionnaire or an interview.

  1. AIM Higher Risk Assessment

    • The AIM Assessment works to improve quality of life.

      The AIM Higher Risk Assessment is a tool for oncologists to use in trying to minimize side effects that are associated with chemotherapy. These side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anemia and neutropenia. The goal of this tool is assessment, information provision and management of symptoms. The "assessment" part of AIM is used before beginning cancer treatment with chemotherapy. The AIM Assessment is conducted through a series of yes or no questions that seek to elucidate possible risk factors of the patient for the side effects associated with chemotherapy.

    Breast and Ovarian Risk Assessment Tools

    • The Breast and Ovarian Risk Assessment Tool is one of many screening tools used to predict hereditary risk for a specific type of cancer. This tool uses a questionnaire format and asks questions related to family history of breast and ovarian cancer. The questionnaire asks the patient to identify when a family member had breast cancer, whether before or after age 50. Ovarian cancer is reported at any age. Family history of breast cancer is relevant to determining a daughter or granddaughter's risk because mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that cause breast cancer are sometimes inherited.

    Cancer Communication Assessment Tool for Patients and Families

    • Communication between the patient and her family is essential.

      The Cancer Communication Assessment Tool for Patients and Families (CCAT-PF) is used to evaluate communication between patients and caregivers, who are often family members. Family members sometimes are not prepared to handle the stress of caring for a loved one with a cancer diagnosis, diminishing the lines of communication between the patient and the caregiver. According to research, it is important for cancer patients to be able to talk about cancer and its treatment to avoid depression, and obtain the highest quality of care. The CCAT-PF uses a combination of questionnaires and interviews to place the patient and caregiver on a scale of communication.

    The Brief Pain Inventory

    • The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) is one example of the many tools used to assess the pain of a cancer patient. The short version of the BPI is used by clinicians to make a judgment on the severity of the patient's pain and decide on treatment options. The BPI is conducted through an interview or a questionnaire. It asks the patient questions related to the effect of the pain on daily living and the response of the pain to various methods of treatment.

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