Journal of Clinical OncologyThe Rise of the Expert Patient in Cancer: From Backseat Passenger to Co-navigator

Many patients have devoted time and effort to learning about their diagnosis and have engaged (or want to) in a collaborative relationship that benefits their care. This represents a shift from the more traditional health care paradigm, where the doctor is the primary content expert providing education and recommendations. To engage with expert patients, clinicians must acknowledge their existence as experts on their own diseases and that they can be a valuable resource and want to become more deeply involved.