Truth telling in oncology : Knowledge, attitude and practice among patients and physicians at the National Cancer Institute {u2013} Cairo University / Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelaziz Bendary ; Supervised Ghada Mahmoud Sherif , Amal Samy Ibrahim , Mohsen Abdelhamid Gadallah

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - National Cancer Institute - Department of Cancer Biology

Background: Truth-telling in oncology represents a major challenge, particularly in the absence of disclosure protocols.The quality of bad news delivery seems to be related to psychosocial adjustment, coping and satisfaction with care, healthcare outcome, and patient anxiety and depression. Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the preferences of practicing physicians at the National Cancer Institute{u2013} Cairo University and patients seeking care at the institute regarding disclosing cancer diagnosis and the type and amount of information to be told. Methods: This study included 200 patients and 80 physicians. Face-to- face interviews were performed with both patients and physicians according to structured questionnaires. Patients and physicians were asked about their knowledge, beliefs, and preferences regarding cancer disease and cancer diagnosis disclosure. Results: The majority of patients (89.5%) preferred to know the diagnosis. Also, most physicians (92.5%) always or usually told the diagnosis to stage I and II cancer patients; 67.5% and 25%, respectively. Regarding stage III and IV cancer patients, approximately two-thirds (66.4%) of physicians always or usually told the diagnosis to these patients; 35% and 31.3%, respectively. No agreement was found between most of patients{u2019} preferences and physicians{u2019} practice. In contrast, there was an agreement between most of physicians{u2019} practice and their beliefs. Patients{u2019} gender, education, and employment were associated with the preference to know the diagnosis

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