Communicate with cancer patients: 2. Handling uncertainty, collusion, and denial.

Sample dialogues are presented to illustrate for physicians how to their uncertainty concerning the prognosis of terminal cancer to family members, how to isolate concerns of the patient, and how to honest communication between patient and family members who have from each other the truth of the patient's diagnosis. Patients' of the seriousness of their illnesses should not be challenged unless creates significant problems for the patient or relative. Denial, when, must be done gently by pointing out inconsistencies so that are not disrupted and yet awareness can be explored. (KIE)