[Knowledge of patients with cancer towards their disease status]

ABSTRACT

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. 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. 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]. Iranian patients with cancer were not sufficiently informed of their disease status