Language requirements for patient-centred pathology reports
Keep tone agnostic and/or neutral
Include, but define, pathology terminology
Describe the type, size and location of cancer
Provide additional explanation to help place size and location in broader context of patient anatomy
Explain the ranges and directionality of stages available
Provide details on what clinical elements contribute to staging
Explain the ranges and directionality of grades available
Provide details on how grade connects to cancer aggressiveness
Clarify directionality of ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ margin status
Provide implications to guide discussions with their provider
Connect ancillary studies to treatment decision-making
Clarify when there is uncertainty about the role of ancillary studies in decision-making for an individual diagnosis