I hope I’m not posting this in the wrong place — I never get it right!
Hello, I’m Tania. My job is to treat people with cancer in a hospital in Spain.
A couple of years ago, I tried to start a project, but it failed due to the number of scammers and bad actors I found on the internet. I believe that with ChatGPT, it could be possible to make it work.
Oncology patients have the possibility of receiving psychological support, but due to the large number of patients, their appointments can take a year or more to schedule. Numerous global studies show that patients improve at least 5% simply by staying positive about their illness. Nutrition is also essential.
Patients are often alone, not because they don’t have anyone, but because they try to be strong so that their families and friends don’t suffer. They spend nights crying, imagining the worst possible outcomes. The mind can be cruel at times.
My plan was to create an app to connect people worldwide so they could talk about these problems. Because of time zones, there would always be someone available to talk to, as it’s day in some places when it’s night in others. Different cultures could also offer unique perspectives on a problem, and chatting without sharing personal data would allow patients to open up without feeling the need to act strong.
An instant translator would be all that’s needed. But before diving into the project, I tested it and was overwhelmed by the number of scammers I found. A person who may be close to death could end up donating everything to any charlatan. There were also many depraved individuals. Out of over 3,000 conversations, I only managed to establish 2 normal contacts.
If ChatGPT were programmed a bit more, and with consultation from an expert psychologist, I believe it could play the role of a friend — someone patients could express their concerns to and receive a positive response. It’s not meant to be a psychologist but rather a support system that provides these individuals a way to vent and hear comforting words.
ChatGPT already has a good understanding of the disease, responding that radiation dermatitis is bothersome but normal and will improve, or advising not to shave or rub the affected area with soap — things that may seem small but are incredibly valuable.
It could also guide relaxation exercises with breathing techniques and suggest healthy diets suited to their condition, encouraging them to eat. Accompanying them on walks with headphones and in audio mode, ChatGPT is the most positive support possible, almost like a motivational coach.
I don’t think it would take much to create this kind of help that could make a real difference — at least a 5% improvement. Memory would be needed (and now I know it exists for companies 
) to maintain the connection for at least one year of treatment, or possibly up to five years until they’re disease-free. Two small adjustments and memory, and it would be pretty decent.
Looking ahead, I still believe in a personalized avatar that speaks and moves. Bonds are created even with AI, establishing the trust that’s necessary. An internal clock could remind patients to take their medication, ensure they take it, and let them know how much time remains for their chemo sessions (which can last 4, 6, or even 8 hours sitting with the IV in).
It could even provide study-based recommendations, like watching Disney movies during chemo to potentially improve by another 5%. A special version of ChatGPT for these patients would be phenomenal. Here’s the idea for you.
Best regards!