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A Good Doctor-Patient Relationship in Breast Cancer

Summary & Participants

Women with breast cancer face overwhelming decisions. And having the support of friends and family is key. But women who have been through it say that having a caring doctor, one who you know is looking out for your best interests, can make all the difference. Hear what patients and doctors have to say about pulling together a caring and coordinated treatment team.

Medically Reviewed On: July 11, 2008

Webcast Transcript

CAROLE CHAMBERLAIN: When I was in the hospital I knew that they'd found something. And I knew that I was in very good hands: the smiles, the hugs, the pat on the head.

When a doctor knows you as well and they bring in this awful apple juice and he says, "Take it away. Give her black coffee with sugar. That's what she likes."

When you're dealing with doctors who have hearts and emotions and take your hand and give you a hug, that's all it takes.

ANNOUNCER: Carole Chamberlain knows what she's talking about. As a breast cancer survivor she's had plenty of experience with doctors

CAROLE CHAMBERLAIN: It's like having a rapport with your husband because they've got your life in their hands. If they can't be honest with you and they can't be open with you -- it's like I once heard a doctor said, "Ladies, if you don't like the answers you're getting, get out." And it's true. It's true.

GENEROSA GRANA, MD: The ability for the woman to communicate freely with her physician. The ability to discuss the side effects that she's experiencing. The ability to get information from that physician and to have her questions answered fully is very important.

D. LAWRENCE WICKERHAM, MD: The personalities of the caregivers becomes important. Now, the type of personality may vary from patient to patient, but it needs to be compatible with her needs, and arguably the needs of her family as well.

GENEROSA GRANA, MD: We are no longer in an era where the physician makes all of the decisions in isolation. This is a partnership. The decisions are made by the physician and the patient together.

ANNOUNCER: Being comfortable with your choice of doctors extends to choosing the team that will be involved in helping a breast cancer patient.

GENEROSA GRANA, MD: Involved in the treatment of breast cancer are people of a variety of specialties: the surgical oncologist, the medical oncologist, the radiation oncologist, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is involved in deciding what type of reconstruction is available. Often a psychologist or social worker, and again, sometimes a coordinator that will guide the patient through each of those steps.

ANNOUNCER: Finding the right people is key. Carole found hers through her gynecologist and surgeon.

CAROLE CHAMBERLAIN: He said, "I know them well." They were two guys and a gal. And it was wonderful from the minute I walked in there.

D. LAWRENCE WICKERHAM, MD: Ideally, the team involved in breast care should be just that, a team that provides very integrated activities from day one followed through long-term follow-up of these individuals.

ANNOUNCER: Support from family and friends can also be important.

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