A survey on informed consent. Approach to cancer treatment

Abstract

In Japan, there is still much controversy surrounding the merits and demerits of informing patients of a cancer diagnosis. With respect to this point, the Research Institute of Vaccine Therapy for Tumors and Infectious Diseases of Nippon Medical School conducted a survey from Jan. 1989 to Jan. 1990. The following responses were obtained from 546 patients and 599 families. 66.7% of the patients and 31.7% of the families desired to have a direct explanation of a malignant diagnosis, so they could plan accordingly. In this respect, quality of life was seen as a key factor. Conversely, those not wishing to know of a malignant diagnosis did not want to cause the patients undue trauma and stress. Some comparisons were made with the present situation in the U.S. where informed consent for cancer therapy is generally accepted.