Communicating with Cancer Patients

Published in association with the European Society of Medical Oncology, this book is designed for trainee oncologists, oncology nurses, and those working with cancer patients on a day-to-day basis. Using an accessible writing style suitable for a wide audience of caregivers, the book focuses on the "soft skills" required in communicating with patients.

Topics include the aetiology of cancer, diagnosis and staging, and explaining the purpose of treatment, including chemotherapy, hormone treatment, and immunological and gene-based therapies. The book also discusses patient support groups, monitoring remission, and relapse. Communicating with Cancer Patients is written by UK oncologists but has wide international application.

Introduction. The different phases of management. The aetiology of cancer. Diagnosis and Staging. Environment. Referral letter. Results and investigations to date. Observation. History. Examination. Performance status. Investigations. Next steps. Questions. Primary Treatment. Cytotoxic chemotherapy. Hormone treatment. Immunological therapy. Gene-based therapies. Explaining the purpose of treatment. Communication within the Context of Multidisciplinary Care. Oncology nurses. Psychosocial oncologists. Patient support groups and the internet. Explaining Follow-up. Monitoring remission. Relapse. Progression and Terminal Care. Explaining Research. Complementary and Alternative Medicines andIntegrativeOncology.