A 60-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer is informed that his disease has progressed despite chemotherapy. He asks, "How long do I have?" Which a...

Question

A 60-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer is informed that his disease has progressed despite chemotherapy. He asks, "How long do I have?" Which approach best reflects CanMEDS Communicator role?

Accepted Answer

Provide a clear, empathic response acknowledging uncertainty and exploring his information needs

Answer

Avoid answering and say, "No one knows, let's not talk about that."

Answer

Give an exact survival date

Answer

Tell him to remain positive and avoid negative thoughts

Answer

Delegate the conversation to a junior trainee without preparation

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Breaking bad news

A 60-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer is informed that his disease has progressed despite chemotherapy. He asks, "How long do I have?" Which approach best reflects CanMEDS Communicator role?