Gender Differences in Cancer Patients' Preferences for Truth-Telling in Taiwan

There is a lack of studies investigating gender differences in cancer truth-telling, especially from the Asia Pacific countries.

The aim of this study was to compare preferences for cancer truth-telling between male and female cancer patients in Taiwan.

We used a quantitative cross-sectional design. Cancer patients (aged ≥18 years) were enrolled from 6 hospitals across Taiwan. A Taiwanese version of the Japanese truth-telling questionnaire was used to collect data. Multiple regression and independent t test were used for analysis.

A total of 590 patients (49.6% male, 50.4% female) participated in this study. A multiple regression showed no gender differences in total scale and subscales (setting, method of disclosure, additional information, and emotional support). However, in item analysis, we found that female patients preferred detailed medical information (t = -1.973, P = .049). Both male and female patients preferred to know their medical condition (t = -1.259, P = .209), direct and frank truth-telling (t = -0.262, P = .794), and assistance in treatment decision-making (t = -0.467, P = .641). There was no gender difference in willingness to know the life expectancy (t = -0.769, P = .442) and families' presence during truth-telling (t = -0.416, P = .678).

Few gender differences exist in the preferences of truth-telling for cancer patients.

Our findings can increase the sensitivity of truth-telling among nurse and other healthcare personnel when taking care of cancer patients of different genders and thereby likely improve the quality of cancer care.