Research in Medicine

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Background: Ethical issues arise in oncology more frequently than before. Informing patient of his/her disease status and prognosis is of utmost importance. The present study was designed to assess knowledge of patients with cancer towards their disease status in Kerman. Materials and methods: For this study, 150 patients with cancer referring to the radiotherapy-oncology ward of Shafa hospital in Kerman were interviewed. We attempted to find out the following issues: Patients’ knowledge towards their diagnosis, prognosis, etiology, duration and probable side effects of treatment. Then, the association between patients’ knowledge and studied factors was determined. Results: Of 150 patients, 53 (35.3%) were completely informed of their disease while 11 patients (7.3%) were aware of the prognosis. Totally, 63(42%), 16(10.7%) and 106(70.7%) of patients were aware of the disease complications, etiology and the treatment duration, respectively. 58 patients (38.7%) were involved in decision making about their treatment protocol. Patients’ knowledge was associated with level of education, place and type of treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Iranian patients with cancer were not sufficiently informed of their disease status.

Keywords: Cancer, Patients’ knowledge, Ethical issues, Legal issues.

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