Ethical issues in psychosocial research among patients with cancer.

The ethical implications of psychosocial research among patients with cancer are discussed. Two key issues were identified: obtaining informed consent and the impact of participating in research. Barriers to obtaining genuinely informed consent are described, as well as the costs and benefits of participation in research. Recommendations are made for the conduct of future research, relating to the removal of barriers to informed consent and monitoring the impact of the research process on its subjects.