J Korean Acad Fam Med.
2005 May;26(5):282-288.
Communication Skills: Telling the Diagnosis of Cancer
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea. eh-kong@hanmail.net
Abstract
- Breaking bad news to patients with a advanced cancer is a difficult task for physicians. Some strategies can be used when breaking bad news to patients with advanced cancer. However, many doctors were not trained sufficiently. 43-year old male complaining of general weakness and melena was diagnosed as an advanced gastric cancer with hepatic metastasis. We could deliver this bad news to the patient and his family step by step. Honest discussion allowed patient to be reassured about many points of concern and helped them to be calmer and to plan and readjust hopes and aims. Bad news cannot be broken gently, but it can be given in a sensitive manner and at the individual's pace. Sometimes doctor's own anxiety can be barrier to tell the truth. When we give the information, we always keep in mind about the respect for truth, the patient's rights, the duty to inform, main taining hope, and the sanctity of the individual contract between patient and doctor.
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