Improving communication with cancer patients.

Although much more information is being disclosed to cancer patients than in the past, there is still considerable disagreement about how much information should be conveyed. This paper reviews the basic elements of informed consent, examines some of the major barriers to effective communication, and suggests ways in which physicians can enhance communication with their cancer patients. Physicians are urged to evaluate patients in terms of their coping and information-seeking styles and to keep in mind that most patients want information. In fact, studies show that giving patients adequate information usually impacts positively on their psychological and physical well-being.