Communicating with cancer patients

Cancer patients are seen over long periods of time and often when emotions are at their most fraught. It is essential to create a trusting environment where the patient feels safe and establish expectations and professional boundaries at the primary consultation. Patients should not be overloaded with information. Providing information in a step-by-step manner and checking that the information provided has been understood before proceeding will ensure that the patient understands what they are being told. When a patient becomes emotional it is important that one reacts appropriately. As experience grows, one will feel more comfortable in dealing with such situations. Keeping calm and modelling this to the patient rather than asking the patient to calm down is essential. Cancer frequently affects children or young adults and communication may need to be adapted when dealing with this patient group.