The issue of whether cancer patients should be told about their illness or not really needs to be discussed and clarified. Western countries follow a clearer path in this regard. Doctors usually tell the patient directly about the disease. They even go further and provide information about the course of the disease. Hematology and Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Coşkun Tecimer clarifies a controversial issue;
How will the remaining dreams come true?
It is very important, especially for terminally ill patients. By informing the patient, it is possible for the person to plan his/her life before death. Perhaps he is given the opportunity to realize his dreams, which he could not think of or implement until then.
As we move towards Eastern societies, the disease begins to hide. Behavior in other areas of life remains the same; Closeness and secrecy are reflected here as well. But do patients really not know their disease? Is it possible that a patient who goes to the Oncology Department today and receives constant treatments does not know what his disease is?
A hidden mystery
In fact, patients know their diseases. However, they do not want to share this with their relatives. So, in a sense, patients 'hide' their illness from their relatives. Therefore, a mutual game is being played. Life goes on in a virtual environment. This creates a source of stress for both the patient and their relatives, as well as the treating physician. For this reason, I think we need to be more open to the patient. I believe that the disease should be explained to the patient by the physician in appropriate language.
It is not necessary to pronounce the word 'cancer' while doing this!
Patients are generally afraid of this word and wrongly equate it with death. Instead, a descriptive approach can be taken to describe the disease and provide information about its course. The patient may experience shock at the beginning, but relationships become on solid ground in the process. The patient trusts and respects his physician.
A more successful path is followed in the treatment.
The point that should be taken into consideration during the treatment is that the patient should not be psychologically destroyed by information that he does not want to learn and cannot tolerate. Medical with new developing treatments An appropriate approach might be to remind him that he is more successful than before. In fact, with our current knowledge, there may be a need to tell patients who are thought to be terminal that we do not know what time will bring, as research continues and new treatment opportunities emerge every day.
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