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Topics:
Radiation Oncology • Gynecologic Cancers • Palliation • Pediatric Hematology/Oncology • Ethics • Medical Oncology
Should I treat a patient who doesn't know she has cancer?
My patient’s family has asked that I don’t tell her that she has metastatic cancer because it will devastate her. I am planning on palliating a painful hip metastasis. I told her that I am treating her pain with radiation, without mentioning her diagonsis, but I’m not sure if it was the right thing to do.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
Interesting opinions. Wonder if anyone has their own experience. I will bite.
My grandfather was diagnosed with mesothelioma (he had worked in a salt plant laden with asbestos). He had 9 children in North America and was staying with them. They chose, as a family, not to tell him he had cancer. We ...
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Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I have had a similar experience before. Often, the family members underestimate their parents or grandparents. First, I think it is in the best interest of the patient to know what is going on with their body and their future. With metastatic cancer, one needs to get his/her affairs in order. On a t...
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Radiation Oncologist at NorthBay Health Cancer Center - Radiology Oncology
I have had many similar experiences often with non...
I have had many similar experiences often with non...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
An interesting dilemma that comes up often. My opinion is that it is not ethical to deny a person knowledge of their diagnosis. I also believe it violates the premise of informed consent. I personally insist on informing the patient of their diagnosis and obtaining full informed consent before agree...
Answer from: at Community Practice
As physicians, we have a duty to respect our patients' autonomy and provide them with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. While the family's desire to protect the patient from distress is understandable, withholding her cancer diagnosis compromises her abilit...