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Communication about cancer near the end of life
Author(s) -
Back Anthony L.,
Anderson Wendy G.,
Bunch Lynn,
Marr Lisa A.,
Wallace James A.,
Yang Holly B.,
Arnold Robert M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.23653
Subject(s) - medicine , palliative care , limiting , advance care planning , cancer , intensive care medicine , clinical trial , communication skills , end of life care , nursing , medical education , mechanical engineering , engineering
Cancer communication near the end of life has a growing evidence base, and requires clinicians to draw on a distinct set of communication skills. Patients with advanced and incurable cancers are dealing with the emotional impact of a life‐limiting illness, treatment decisions that are complex and frequently involve consideration of clinical trials, and the challenges of sustaining hope while also having realistic goals. In this review, the authors sought to provide a guide to important evidence about communication for patients with advanced cancer regarding communication at diagnosis, discussing prognosis, decision making about palliative anticancer therapy and phase 1 trials, advance care planning, transitions in focus from anticancer to palliative care, and preparing patients and families for dying and death. Cancer 2008;113(7 suppl):1897–910. © 2008 American Cancer Society.