Risk Communication on the Need for Contraception Related to Use of Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

This report discusses risk communication regarding the need for contraception related to use of pharmaceuticals between health care providers and cancer patients. The results of an online survey targeting 2,000 men and women in their 20 s to their 40 s show that the highest knowledge rate (79.8%) was for “anticancer drug” among the 10 terms included in the survey. However, the knowledge rate was less than 20% for almost half of the survey terms. These results indicate that health care providers require strong communication skills in order to provide information to patients effectively. The “Guidance on the Need for Pharmaceutical Contraception” can help ensure that patients receive accurate information. Scrutinizing that the expressions on the website are clear and providing a glossary of terms may reduce the burden of communication for both health care providers and patients and promote understanding among patient groups.