Doctor, can we talk? Physician-patient communication issues that could jeopardize patient trust in the physician.

The essences of the prostate cancer experience were explored through interviews with ten early-stage prostate cancer patients who were approximately one year post surgical treatment. One theme that emerged from this modified phenomenological study dealt with the relationships patients had with their physicians. One of the major concerns expressed by the study participants was a lack of communication with their physicians. The study provides evidence that physicians and other healthcare providers should work more diligently with patient communication in order to provide patients with a full understanding of their disease, treatment options, and potential adverse outcomes from treatment.