Abstract:

The health communication process between medical specialists and oncological patients is a quite specific one. This article reviews the major parameters affecting the relations between patients and medical oncology specialists such as: patient-doctor relationship; handling medical information; coping with different patients’ emotions; educational interventions targeted at patients and designed to enhance communication. Good communication may help patients, their families and doctors to make joint decisions aimed at improving patients’ well-being and quality of life.

Keywords: oncologists, cancer care, communication skills, health communication