[Understand]: “What is it that you don’t want [patient] to know? Can you tell me why you want to keep this information from them so I can understand?”
[Address] “You said that you think that [patient] will give up if they find out they have cancer. That’s an important and common concern. In fact, we know from surveys that most patients want to know their diagnosis. Mostly they have an idea what is wrong with them, and it can be a relief to know for sure. As well, it helps them to understand the treatments and gives them more control. Research has shown that knowing this information does not change patients’ health or prognosis. What do you think about this now?”