Breaking bad news: Comparison of perspectives of Middle Eastern cancer patients and their relatives.

Abstract

9568 Background: It is believed in some Middle Eastern (ME) cultures that disclosure of bad news to cancer patients may cause loss of hope. On many occasions the relatives’ and patients’ wishes are opposed regarding this matter. This study investigates cancer patients’ and their relatives’ perspectives regarding communication of cancer-related bad news in a ME population. Methods: Nine close-ended questions were designed in a questionnaire format to obtain cancer patients’ (cohort I) and their relatives’ (cohort II) perspectives regarding communication of cancer related bad news from diagnosis to end-of-life. The questionnaire was answered by patients and relatives during out-patient visits. Chi-square test was used to test differences in responses between the two cohorts. Results: 203 participants (100 patients and 103 relatives) completed the questionnaire. In cohorts I and II, 28% and 58% of participants were males respectively (p<0.001). In contrast to relatives’ views, majority of patients preferred to be informed of diagnosis and possible adverse outcome of their illness, as detailed in the Table. Conclusions: Our study indicates that there is significant discordance between the preferences of ME cancer patients and their relatives regarding disclosure of cancer related bad news to the patient. As opposed to relatives’ beliefs, most patients would prefer to know bad news throughout the course of their illness. Unless a patient indicates otherwise, physicians should strive to keep cancer patients informed of their health related events. [Table: see text]