Topics:
Radiation Oncology • Gynecologic Cancers • Palliation • Pediatric 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
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 co...
I have had many similar experiences often with non...