The effects of cultural background on communication patterns of Israeli cancer patients

'Western' ('modern') and 'Oriental' ('traditional') Israeli cancer patients are compared in terms of their expressive communication patterns regarding the illness. 'Western' patients are found to have an open and multiple network of significant others with whom they communicate (spouse, friends, medical personnel). 'Oriental' patients are characterized by a more limited network (mainly kinship group) and by less intensive communication. Implications for improving supportive resources and thus coping ability of 'Oriental' patients are discussed.