Breaking bad news.

Abstract

The way in which news about a cancer diagnosis or recurrence is broken can have a profound effect on the patient's psychological wellbeing. When the information given is perceived by the patient as too much to too little and resultant concerns remain undisclosed and unresolved there is a high risk that the patient will develop clinical anxiety and/or depression. Guidelines are provided, therefore, to help them appropriately. Strategies are also suggested which will allow the patient's concerns to be elicited in an efficient but caring manner.