Communication as the Bridge to Hope and Healing in Cancer Care Cancer is ofen seen as prec ipitating an existen- specifc to patients of all ages, diverse cultures tial crisis; a crisis of spirit and an opportunity and lifestyles. Perhaps two of the most we- for meaning. Tis is true not only for the patient developed areas in communication in cancer with cancer and his or her family and loved ones, care relate to shared decision-making research, but also, interestingly enough, for oncologists and the efectiveness of communication skills and cancer care providers. For the patient the training of cancer care providers. Te feld of challenges are dealing with fear and uncertainty, communication research and training is thus maintaining a balance between hope and de- quite broad and still in development, although spair, comprehending information and enacting much has been accomplished, as is illustrated in shared decision making, living with choices, and, this textbook. for too many, fnding a way to accept death. For Tis text, Communication in Cancer Care the family the challenges are equally daunting; edited by F. Stiefel, represents one of the most fnding a way to support their loved one and help comprehensive as well as clinically relevant - them maintain hope, advocate on their behalf, ited volumes on the subject of communication help collect and integrate information. Tis must in cancer care to appear to date.

1;Foreword;6 2;Contents;8 3;List of Contributors;10 4;Key Elements of Communication in Cancer Care;12 5;Motivating for Cancer Prevention;18 6;Communication in Genetic Counselling for Breast/ Ovarian Cancer;34 7;Informing About Diagnosis, Relapse and Progression of Disease - Communication with the Terminally Ill Cancer Patient;48 8;Maintaining Hope: Communication in Palliative Care;58 9;Patients and Their Families;72 10;Children with Cancer;84 11;Interdisciplinary Communication;92 12;Cultural Aspects of Communication in Cancer Care;102 13;Current Concepts of Communication Skills Training in Oncology;116 14;Communication Skills Training in Oncology: It Works!;124 15;Communication and Communication Skills Training in Oncology: Open Questions and Future Tasks;132