Medical maximizers may resist some cancer screening advice
A study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that 'medical maximizers'—patients who prefer more healthcare services—are less likely to follow advice to stop cancer screenings based on life expectancy. These individuals are more motivated by testing that promises to improve their life expectancy.
Why it matters
Understanding patient psychology helps clinicians improve communication regarding end-of-life care and unnecessary medical interventions.
Medical maximizers have a significantly higher likelihood of accepting and following cancer screening recommendations if told testing will improve their life expectancy.
A survey of nearly 2,500 U.S. adults also showed maximizers, individuals who prefer to receive healthcare services even if benefits may be limited, had significantly lower odds of accepting and following clinician advice to stop screening based on life expectancy.
Data derived from Brotzman LE, et al. JAMA Netw Open . 2026;doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.27395. Laura E. Brotzman “Patients have varying preferences for more vs. less care, and that can affect their reactions to care recommendations and decision-making,” Laura E. Brotzman, PhD, MPH, postdoctoral research fellow in the division of geriatric medicine and gerontology at Johns Hopkins University, told Healio.
Prior research has shown that medical maximizers can have trouble accepting education and/or evidence that cancer screening may not be to their benefit, according to study background.
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