DISCUSSING THE DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS WITH CANCER-PATIENTS

Effective doctor-patient communication is an integral part of good cli nical care. Telling a patient that he/she has cancer can be a daunting task. If done with empathy and sensitivity it can create an important bond between the doctor and patient. If done brusquely and without ta ct it can create barriers and lasting hostility. Several key steps hel p make the breaking of bad news easier for doctors and patients. There is not one (right formula) but appreciation of and responsiveness to the patient's verbal and non-verbal signals are core skills which can be developed.