23/07/2026
Can AI answer every question a cancer patient has? Perhaps.
Can it replace the reassurance of a doctor sitting beside you? Not yet.
A recent article published by the ESMO Daily Reporter explores whether AI-powered chatbots can support patients during cancer treatment. The early findings are encouraging—AI can help with symptom monitoring, simplify medical information, and provide support between appointments. At the same time, the study reminds us that successful adoption depends on usability, equitable access, and preserving the human side of cancer care.
As a Surgical Oncologist, I believe AI should be viewed as a clinical support system, not a clinical replacement.
Technology can help patients: • Better understand their diagnosis
• Track symptoms during treatment
• Prepare meaningful questions for consultations
• Stay more informed throughout their cancer journey
But it cannot replace empathy, clinical judgment, shared decision-making, or the trust that develops between a patient and their doctor.
The future of oncology is not about choosing between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence. It is about combining both to deliver more precise, personalised and compassionate cancer care.
If you're interested in reading the full article, you can find it here:
🔗 [Can AI chatbots effectively support patients with cancer during treatments? (ESMO Daily Reporter)](https://dailyreporter.esmo.org/homepage/digital-oncology/can-ai-chatbots-effectively-support-cancer-patients-during-treatments?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What are your thoughts?
Would you feel comfortable using an AI assistant to better understand your treatment while continuing to rely on your oncologist for medical decisions?
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[AI in Oncology • Cancer Care • Surgical Oncology • Cancer Treatment • Artificial Intelligence • Patient Education • Digital Health • Precision Medicine • GI Oncology • Patient-Centred Care ]
