Providing hope in terminal cancer: when is it appropriate and when is it not?

摘要: Hope is essential in the face of terminal cancer. Generally Western societies, patients and their families prefer doctor to engage them transparent, realistic, authoritative, empathic open communication about diagnosis prognosis cancer but this topic not well studied Asian context. With exponential increase information many permutations treatment, rational otherwise, doctor-patient relationship even more critical planning best treatment strategy also rendering both particular general hope patient's war against Overall, majority drugs tested have failed reach market, those that have, only provide modest benefits, several major therapeutic breakthroughs notwithstanding. Commoditised medicalisation dying process ingrained into contemporary consciousness can potentially create unrealistic or false hope, nihilism a drain on resources patient society. These factors detract from dignity as an acceptable natural process. cannot be confined focusing merely existential dimension improving survival through technological intervention. Psychosocial and, where appropriate, spiritual interventions support play roles relieving suffering providing patient. victim misinformation self-interested external parties, nor obsession with just buying promises extending time without sufficient regard for quality life achieving good death.