Information needs of patients with cancer: results from a large study in UK cancer centres
2001
Information Needs of Cancer Patients
Sample size: 2331
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Jenkins V, Fallowfield L, Saul J
Primary Institution: Department of Oncology, Royal Free and University College London Medical School
Hypothesis
What information do cancer patients prefer to receive about their illness?
Conclusion
Most cancer patients want detailed information about their illness and treatment options.
Supporting Evidence
- 87% of patients wanted all possible information about their illness.
- 98% preferred to know whether or not their illness was cancer.
- Older patients were more likely to prefer leaving disclosure to the doctor.
- Women preferred to know the specific name of the illness and all possible treatments.
Takeaway
Cancer patients really want to know everything about their illness, even the bad news.
Methodology
Information preferences were collected using an adaptation of Cassileth's Information Needs questionnaire.
Participant Demographics
Heterogeneous sample of cancer patients, with some differences noted by age and sex.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P< 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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