The trend: Half of oncologists say their patients are using AI tools for information before, during, and after diagnosis and treatment, according to an August 2025 survey from Impiricus and Klick Health. The survey queried 1,000 US oncologists who are in Impiricus’ network of SMS opted-in oncologists.

Digging into the data: 50% of oncologists say they’ve noticed patients using AI tools like ChatGPT at some point in their cancer journey.

• Almost one-quarter (23%) of patients use AI before their first visit, the oncologists noted.
• Another 23% use it during treatment.
• 18% turn to AI after being diagnosed.
• 12% of patients use AI more generally or throughout their care.

Zooming out: About one in four (38%) oncologists think AI creates patient confusion and distrust challenges for them.

• 11% said AI increases the amount of time they need to spend addressing patients’ confusion and misunderstanding of information they’ve found.
• 8% of oncologists think AI causes patients to be more anxious and worried.
• Only 10% believe AI use is helpful for patients to understand their options or know what questions to ask.

Few oncologists are using AI themselves in their practices. Just 16% indicated they or their colleagues are increasing AI use.

Why it matters: Consumers' use of AI for healthcare information is growing, but healthcare providers have to contend with AI-fueled misinformation or disinformation.

• Oncologists in the Impiricus/Klick survey noted problems with “information overload” by patients who use AI, as well as misinterpreted information and trust issues if AI didn't align with their recommendations.
• Popular AI large language models like ChatGPT returned inaccurate health information between 50% and 82% of the time, per a Mount Sinai study published in August.

What it means for pharma marketers: As patients adopt more AI for health information, pharma marketers have a growing opportunity to help physicians navigate the new dynamic.

Marketers can offer physicians training on how to discuss and correct AI-generated information, and by providing credible, easy-to-understand resources grounded in evidence. Understanding how patients use AI—from researching symptoms to evaluating treatments—can help physicians and marketers anticipate confusion, close information gaps, and strengthen trust.