Cancer truth disclosure by Lebanese doctors

Abstract

Truthful disclosure of cancer diagnosis is still uncommon in some cultures. In Lebanon, legislation is permissive of non-disclosure. Physicians choose the recourse most agreeable to them. This study's goal was to determine the proportion of Lebanese physicians who choose truthful diagnosis disclosure to cancer patients and to identify factors affecting their choice. A survey of a random sample of Lebanese physicians was conducted to determine the proportion of those who prefer truthful diagnosis disclosure to cancer patients and to identify factors affecting that choice. The survey involved 268 participants representing 10% of all physicians practicing in specialties with potential contact with cancer cases in the Greater Beirut area. It was completed by 212 (79%), of whom 47% would usually tell the patient about cancer. Disclosure preference was not associated with gender, location of medical training, rate of patient contact or teaching activities. It was associated with longer clinical practice and with specialties outside primary care. Most participants were open to changing their policies and considered the patient's desire to know, compliance with treatment and the patient's profession as a physician as most influencing in their choice of disclosure. Exploring the Lebanese public predicament regarding disclosure seems necessary.