[Dealing with cancer--conversations with radiotherapy patients]

Thirty in-patients treated by radiotherapy were questioned in qualitative interviews about the information they had received from the physicians and their way to deal with the disease and the physicians. Furthermore 18 persons out of this group were accompanied continuously. The confidential relationships between the patients and the author of the study brought about spontaneous conversations showing some new aspects of the way to experience disease and therapy. Despite a poor prognosis and an initially insufficient information, the patients formulated their questions openly. Generally they desired a clearer communication. They criticized above all the lack of information and attention from the physicians. A need for confidence, frankness, and the conveyance of a justified hope was expressed. The physician's stress and resulting lack of time was complained of. During the time of accompanying which lasted several weeks, it became evident that information means a way to deal with the disease to which the patient can make his individual contribution. The majority of questions as well as emotional reactions as fear or depression came from those patients who seemed to be quiet persons.