Table 1.
Assessment of Oncology Topics Recommendations by Experienced Oncologists using an Online Chat-Based Artificial Intelligence Model.
| Question | Accuracy graded by oncologists** |
|---|---|
| Risk factors | |
| Does diet affect cancer risk? | Accurate |
| If I stop smoking will it reduce my risk of getting cancer? | Accurate |
| Will I get breast cancer if I have a family history? | Accurate |
| Is obesity linked to cancer? | Accurate |
| Do oral contraceptive pills increase my risk of cancer? | Accurate |
| Does getting a CT scan increase the risk of getting cancer? | Inaccurate |
| Is there a vaccine for cancer? | Inaccurate |
| Does alcohol consumption increase cancer risk? | Accurate |
| Does physical activity reduce cancer risk? | Accurate |
| My city has a high pollution index, am I at higher risk of getting cancer? | Accurate |
| Preventive medicine & Diagnosis | |
| Should I screen for prostate cancer? | Accurate |
| How can I screen for breast cancer? | Accurate |
| Is there a way to prevent colorectal cancer? | Accurate |
| Can I screen for lung cancer? | Accurate |
| Can I prevent cervical cancer? | Accurate |
| What does cancer stage mean? | Accurate |
| Can I do a genetic test to know if I will get cancer? | Accurate |
| What is the difference between CT and PET scan? | Accurate |
| What is a biopsy and why do I need it? | Inaccurate |
| Can cancer be detected on regular blood tests? | Accurate |
| Treatment and Side effects | |
| What is immunotherapy? | Accurate |
| Will I lose my hair after immunotherapy? | Inaccurate |
| I am starting chemotherapy tomorrow what are the side effects? | Accurate |
| How can I prevent hair loss after chemotherapy? | Accurate |
| Will cancer treatment affect my fertility? | Accurate |
| How can I reduce nausea after chemotherapy? | Accurate |
| Can I go out in public after chemotherapy? | Accurate |
| Can herbal treatments replace chemotherapy? | Accurate |
| What is a clinical trial? | Accurate |
| I feel down since starting chemotherapy. What do I do? * | Accurate |
*Answer sample: It is common to experience emotional changes during and after chemotherapy treatment. Some people may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression. This can be due to the physical and emotional stress of cancer and its treatment, as well as the changes in hormone levels and other physical factors. If you are feeling down, it is important to talk to your healthcare team. They may be able to suggest strategies for managing your emotions and provide support and resources. Some strategies that may be helpful include: 1) Exercise: Physical activity can help boost mood and reduce stress. 2) Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve mood and energy levels. 3) Talking to someone: Talking to a friend, family member, or mental health professional can help you process your feelings and provide emotional support. 4) Mindfulness practices: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. 5) Participating in activities you enjoy: Doing things that bring you pleasure, and joy can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression. 6) It is also important to know that there are medications and therapies available to treat depression, and your healthcare team can help you find the right treatment for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and help if you are feeling down.
** An answer was deemed ‘accurate’ if all three oncologists judged it to be accurate, ‘inaccurate’ if at least one oncologist deemed it inaccurate, and ‘harmful’ if at least one oncologist deemed it harmful. Interviewer agreement of inaccurate responses was not assessed.