Question

A 45-year-old woman presents with haematochezia and iron deficiency anaemia. Colonoscopy reveals a left-sided colon cancer. She is distressed and blames herself for delaying colonoscopy earlier. Which physician response best reflects the CanMEDS Professional and Communicator roles?

Accepted Answer

Provide clear information about the diagnosis and treatment plan, acknowledge her emotions, and reassure her that many people delay investigations, focusing on next steps

Answer

Emphasise that her delay is responsible for the cancer

Answer

Avoid discussing prognosis to prevent distress

Answer

Use only technical language to maintain professional distance

Answer

Tell her that discussing emotions is best left to a counsellor

Practice question

A 45-year-old woman presents with haematochezia and iron deficiency anaemia. Colonoscopy reveals a left-sided colon cancer. She is distressed and blames herself for delaying colonoscopy earlier. Which physician response best reflects the CanMEDS Professional and Communicator roles?