Cancer patients, docs talk little of emotions
When patients open up, oncologists often cut discussion short, study found
NEW YORK - People with advanced cancer may suffer substantial emotional distress, but relatively few may be discussing it with their doctors, new research suggests.
In a study that recorded conversations between 270 cancer patients and their oncologists, researchers found that patients broached the topic of emotional concerns only about one-third of the time. And when they did open the door, their doctors often failed to encourage a discussion.
When patients open up, oncologists often cut discussion short, study found
NEW YORK - People with advanced cancer may suffer substantial emotional distress, but relatively few may be discussing it with their doctors, new research suggests.
In a study that recorded conversations between 270 cancer patients and their oncologists, researchers found that patients broached the topic of emotional concerns only about one-third of the time. And when they did open the door, their doctors often failed to encourage a discussion.