Abstract
<h3>Objectives</h3> Breaking bad news is a complex task of clinical practice, and how it is executed has a significant effect on patients. This study aimed to assess patients' experiences and preferences regarding disclosure of oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses according to the SPIKES protocol. <h3>Study Design</h3> A questionnaire focused on the time of cancer diagnosis disclosure, with 21 SPIKES-based topics and a 5-point Likert scale, was applied during structured interviews with 100 patients with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Validated scales assessed patients' resilience and emotional status. <h3>Results</h3> Forty-two percent of patients were unaware of the suspected malignancy, and 25% did not know the professional who communicated the diagnosis. Eighteen topics showed a statistically significant difference (<i>P</i> < .05) between patients' experience and preference, with lower rankings on experience, mainly about how much information the patients want to know, to ask if they want to be accompanied during consultation, time to express feelings, and summary of addressed issues. <h3>Conclusions</h3> It is essential to employ patient-centered strategies to disclose oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses, and available protocols can be useful to guide health professionals.
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