The Assertive Cancer Patient: Is Not Necessarily a ‘Good Patient’

As you move along in your cancer treatment, you may be shocked to realize that you have been socialized, probably without realizing it, to be a “good patient.” Good patients are cheerful, rarely complain (and may not give their doctors an accurate reading of their symptoms and problems as a result), and are hesitant to “bother” the doctor--even when something is bothering THEM.

As a result of not speaking up, these people not only don’t get the best medical care, but they also may find their frustrations growing because their real concerns are not being expressed.

I know one medical oncologist who tells his patients right up front that they don’t need to be “good patients” with him. This doctor is, granted, way ahead of the curve on the issue of doctor-patient communication, but I'll write further about ways to break out of the good-patient mold in a positive way.