[Problematic communication between physicians and oncological patients]

Verbal and nonverbal communication between oncological patients and physicians and other medical staff has a major effect on the emotional state of the patients. The intensive course of the illness and the therapy makes the medical environment a most central and significant factor in patient's life, both in time spent and emotional reaction to illness and treatment. Members of the medical staff are perceived by patients as having almost magical powers, and communication with them acquires a highly suggestive value. The effect of communication between them is similar to that of hypnotic processes. 4 cases are described in which the patient's emotional distress remarkably increased after an encounter with a physician. We discuss the negative suggestive effects of such communication. They originate in the physician's attempt to defend himself against the patient's feelings of anxiety, depression and impotence while being treated intensively when seriously ill.