Communication between cancer patients and physicians.

A total of 185 practicing physicians in middle Tennessee responded to a questionnaire regarding their communication patterns with cancer patients. This represented 61% of a total of 320 area physicians to whom questionnaires were mailed. Nearly 98% of responding physicians always or usually inform patients that they have cancer. No difference in communication was noted as a function of specialty or age. A number of terms are used at different times during the course of a patient's illness.