ETHICAL ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION WITH CANCER PATIENTS

Over the previous several decades numerous changes have occurred in the medical care of cancer patients. In the midst of diagnostic and therapeutic advances, another significant change has occurred in how physicians talk to patients suffering from cancer. Just a few decades ago, physicians routinely would not discuss a diagnosis of cancer with a patient. Today, such approach would be unthinkable to most physicians and cancer patients. The paternalistic approach with the tradition of not disclosing a diagnosis of cancer to a patient has given way to a shared decision making approach in which patients must be informed in order to participate in the decisions about what is the optimal care. In this setting, the issue is not whether to tell a patient, but how to best inform them of their condition and prognosis. An individualized approach to communication with a patient is the optimum. By being sensitive to patient's particular needs, a physician will be able to honestly and effectively provide the patient with the information needed to make good decision.