In a recent column in Oncology Times, I discussed the difficulty of Stopping Time, the juncture of patient care when treatment options have run out. Here's an excerpt from this article for clinicians:
Any talk of “stopping cancer treatment” can unwittingly make life more difficult for patients. “Stop” is an active verb, as in “Vaccines stop the spread of disease” and “The conductor can stop the train.” “Stopping” brings to mind voluntary efforts that put an end to activity that otherwise would have continued.
Patients may mistakenly think you are choosing to stop the cancer treatments, when you could just as easily choose to continue. Fearing you've given up on them, they may try to change your mind by convincing you they're tough and can handle another round.
Conversely, some patients equate stopping treatment with their giving up or giving in. Bombarded daily with messages to “live strong” and “have a positive attitude,” they're committed to fighting to the end. Stopping chemotherapy is simply unacceptable.
So take a moment to clarify the meaning of “stopping treatment”—or just avoid the phrase altogether. Explain, “We've run out of therapies for your cancer. I'm recommending no further chemo at this time because it would likely cause more harm than good.”
[To read the entire essay, click here]
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