Personal Learning Style and Impact on Cancer Care

Have you ever thought about what makes a difference for you when learning something new?

Think back to when you first learned you had cancer. Did you find yourself taking lots of notes and reading as much as possible about your cancer type? Or perhaps you jumped on the Internet in search of videos on the topic.

What works for one person may not work for another. We all have preferences. It's a bit like our personalities.

Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Family Cancer Education Center staff will frequently ask patients and their families how they prefer to learn new things. Information can be delivered in many formats, such as reading a brochure or booklet, watching a video, one-to-one discussion or attending a group class.

If you've never thought about your learning style, here are a few key points to help you discover your preferences. Note that most people learn best through a combination of styles.

• Visual — prefer to learn with images, maps, diagrams and graphs.
• Auditory — learn best by listening and through discussion.
• Read and write — prefer to learn through reading written materials and note taking.
• Kinesthetic — learn by using hands-on, tactile (touch) information, such as models.

It's important for you to reflect on what works best so you can share your style with your healthcare team. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell them. Communication is key throughout each step of your care.

Also, if you'd like to communicate with other patients who have a cancer diagnosis, please see the Connect Cancer group.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of learning styles. What works best for you and why?