This second edition addresses a variety of ethical issues that arise in the care of oncology patients. Many volumes have been written on medical ethics in the past 30 years. However, few have focused on ethical issues specific to the care of cancer patients. This book brings together such a focused examination. The contributors include clinicians, (doctors, nurses, and social workers), ethicists, medical humanists, medical educators, and a cancer survivor. The issues raised have direct relevance to the care of oncology patients in treatment as well as research settings. The chapters address issues that are central to contemporary medical practice and medical ethics inquiry.Ethical Issues in Cancer Patient Care, Second Edition will have direct importance for practicing physicians, nurses and others caring for cancer patients. In addition, medical students, medical educators and ethicists will find this book of interest.

The care of cancer patients raises complex ethical issues

Introduction.- An Open Letter to Doctors.- Physicians and Cancer Patients: Communication and Advance Directives.- Information is Not Enough: The Place of Statistics in the Doctor-Patient Relationship.- Cross-Cultural Issues in Caring for Patients with Cancer.- Hope and Communication in Cancer Care: What Patients Tell Us.- Addressing the Spiritual Needs of Patients.- Pediatric Cancer Care: Special Issues in Ethical Decision Making.- The Ethics of Responding to Pain and Suffering.- Are There Limits to Oncology Care? (Futility).- The Role of Palliative Medicine in Cancer Patient Care.- Holding On and Letting Go: Ethical Issues Regarding the Care of Children with Cancer.- Communicating Errors.- Research Ethics and the Ethics of Research: Should We Offer Clinical Trial Participation or Clinical Research Partnership to Oncology Patients in the New Millennium?- Does Reimbursement Affect Physicians' Decision Making? Examples from the Use of Recombinent Erythropoietin.- Index.