Conflicts in Cancer Care

Abstract

Moral disagreements in cancer care are operationally similar to moral disagreements in the care of patients with other diseases. Conflicts between individuals tend to reflect the morally pluralistic character of the environment where health care is provided. By engaging in moral analysis or reflection, these conflicts may be better understood and perhaps resolved. Thus, ethics may engender mutual respect and clarify points at which disputants agree, resulting in a continual clinical relationship. Medicine, as a result, may fulfill its mandate, and persons in the role of patients will be respected. In short, ethics may save medicine and serve patients without morally or otherwise compromising the integrity of elther.