Cancer patients' awareness of extent of disease: anxiety, depression, quality of life.
Maria Fidelis Coronel ManaloGrace Meijuan YangMacario ReandelarSemra Ozdemir Van DykChetna MalhotraEric A FinkelsteinPublished in: BMJ supportive & palliative care (2023)
This study revealed that physicians should not hesitate to communicate the cancer diagnosis and prognosis to patients, as the disclosure was not associated with psychological morbidity. Open communication between physicians, patients and their families on the extent of the disease could empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment, engage in advance care planning and seek the necessary support.