Should the Cancer Patient Be Told?

Abstract

The type and location of a malignancy; how a patient reacts to stress, as judged by previous experiences; the ability of the physician to be understanding and consistently supportive; the type of therapy necessary, etc., all have a bearing on whether or not a patient should be told he has cancer.

Studies have shown that most patients want to know whether or not they have cancer, and it has been determined that each patient has a legal right to know the truth.

The author presents arguments to support the contention that with few exceptions patients should be told of this diagnosis.