Article Abstract:
Socioeconomic factors and cultural beliefs may cause some women to wait until their breast cancer is far advanced before seeking medical screening or treatment. Researchers questioned 540 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, 94 of whom had advanced disease. African-American race, low income and lack of insurance or transportation were linked to more advanced breast cancer. Certain beliefs were also linked to advanced disease, such as the fear that women who have breast surgery are no longer attractive. Many of these factors explain why black women have higher mortality rates from breast cancer than white women.
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Article Abstract:
Physicians should begin to tell cancer patients the truth about their prognosis and the possible benefits of specific treatments. A 1998 study found that 82% of the cancer patients surveyed overestimated their prognosis and were 2.6 times more likely to choose aggressive treatment rather than palliative care. However, their average survival rates were no better than the rates in those who chose palliative care. Many physicians cannot admit that they have failed to cure the patient. Being honest with the patient is consistent with the principles of informed consent and patient autonomy.
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Article Abstract:
Almost one out of every five terminally ill cancer patients may want to die, according to a study of 92 cancer patients. Depression and hopelessness were risk factors for a desire to hasten death.
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