For an oncologist, finding the appropriate words to comfort a family who is facing the loss of a loved one can be difficult. This section addresses how different groups—oncologists, patients, and caregivers—think about end-of-life care issues. This section discusses an oncologist's responsibility and perspective when it comes to difficult subjects such as advanced cancer, hospice, do not resuscitate orders, cytotoxic therapy, supportive care, maintaining a patient's dignity, and imminent death. Articles in this series also discuss the role of spirituality and religion at the time of death, and the importance of good communication between the oncologist and family members throughout the dying process.
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Truth or Consequences: What to Do When the Patient Doesn't Want to Know
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Challenges in Outpatient End-of-Life Care: Wishes to Avoid Resuscitation
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Simultaneous Care: Disease Treatment and Palliative Care Throughout Illness
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Allowing Patients to Die: Practical, Ethical and Religious Concerns
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Overcoming Obstacles to Hospice and Palliative Care: An Ethical Examination of Inertia and Inaction
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Treatment Decision Aids in Advanced Cancer: When the Goal is Not Cure and the Answer is Not Clear
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Giving Bad News to Cancer Patients: Matching Process and Content