[The reasons for patients with stomach cancer refusing surgical treatment]

Refusal of treatment was analysed in gastric cancer patients registered in the whole region (12.9%) and in the oncologic dispensary (12.1%). Two hundred and two patients refused treatment, 43 of them agreed to be operated 2 or more months later. Fewer refusals were registered among male and adult patients. The number of refusals increased with age. Reason for refusal were analysed. Explanatory work was carried out and some of them were informed of their diagnosis. Patients were invited for repeated explanation. Low level of medical education of the population, particularly, in the field of oncology was shown to be the main reason to refuse surgery.