What are some suggestions for telling family members about the diagnosis of a brain tumor?
It is important that family members be told so they can be informed and supportive during treatment and recovery. Even young children should receive a simple, honest explanation; otherwise, they may form a conclusion that is worse than the actual situation. Telling the family is not something the patient has to do alone or without help. Some patients may wish to have a family conference with a member of the healthcare team in attendance; others may rely on clergy or a crisis support group to help them decide how to tell their family.
The diagnosis of a high-grade brain tumor is a serious business, and carries with it a heavy emotional burden for patients and their families. It is important for doctors who are caring for these patients to keep a balanced perspective when discussing the diagnosis of a brain tumor and its implications. In addition to emphasizing the seriousness of the diagnosis and the potential for disability and death, it is also important to emphasize that progress in understanding and treating aggressive brain tumors has been accelerating over the last decade. What is considered the “optimal” treatment for these diseases changes every six months to one year. This is a reflection of the intensive research being performed by clinicians and scientists around the country, most of whom have been supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
