Question: Have you ever experienced a patient who has refused cancer treatment? Is it better to accept their decision or try and inform them further of the treatment available?

Steven Brown answered on 15 Jun 2017:

Yes. I sometimes sit in on clinic visits – where doctors who specialise in cancer treatment review treatment options – just for my benefit as a psychologist on the project team, to learn a bit more about cancer. Last week a man who was told he had about six months to live refused the option to try more chemotherapy. He explained to the doctor that he would rather enjoy the next six months in relatively good health, not spend them feeling tired, sick, and in pain. The doctor agreed with his decision for being ‘logical’, and that was the course of action taken. Patients work with doctors to make joint decision. I was upset seeing this up close, but I respected his decision.