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THE PRESENT STATUS OF NOTIFICATION FOR CANCER VICTIMS

American doctors in 1961 were asked about whether they notified cancer patients of the fact that they were suffering from cancer. About 88% of these doctors replied that "in principle, we do not tell our patients that they are suffering from cancer."

In a survey made 15 years later in 1977, 98% of the physicians replied "in principle, we tell our patients that they have cancer." Rather than debating whether it is right or wrong to inform patients that they have cancer, it would be better to examine the situation of those patients who have already been so informed.

In Japan, the Medical Relationship Association often carries out questionnaire surveys on the issue of disease notification by obtaining views from seminars, physicians, nurses, or the general public. The replies differ on account of the difference in the disease being discussed. Through these surveys physicians reported that after notification had been accomplished, treatment of the patients became easier. This is because, in the case of curable carcinomatosis, treatment may only be wholeheartedly carried out upon communication in a way acceptable to both doctors and patients.

CONDITION OF NOTIFICATION

Notifying the patient that he or she has cancer should be considered in the light of the symptoms and situation of the patient. The critical point would be to ask whether there is a need to notify the patient, and whether notification will produce a better atmosphere for medical treatment.

The conditions include the following:

1. Does the patient wish to know about the disease?
2. Does he or she have the capability (mental strength) to accept the fact of carcinomatosis?
3. Character
4. Living
5. Is there the need to arrange the patient’s personal affairs?
6. Age
7. What will be the influence on the patient’s dependents and on society?
8. Do the family members consent to notification?
9. Religion

Personally, I believe that the wish of the patient to know about the disease is the most important factor among those listed above. This is because mental strength cannot rightly be judged superficially. It is thus most important to accomplish the wish of the patient to create a most complete curing environment. This is especially true in the case of procuring Tian Xian Liquid, which cannot be obtained without assistance from family members. Therefore good communication between the patient, family members and the physician is a prerequisite to overcome the carcinomatosis.

Unlike western medicine, Tian Xian Liquid has a cure rate of over 80% for patients in the final stages of carcinomatosis. Notification should not create the feeling of hopelessness in the patient; it may become the stimulus for the patient’s determination to overcome the disease.

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