Maltese cancer patients want to be informed of their cancer diagnosis, its treatment and prognosis, a study by a Maltese doctor shows.

Joëlle Agius graduated with distinction from the University of Malta after reading for a Master’s degree in Bioethics under the supervision of Rev. Dr Ray Zammit.

The title of her dissertation was: ‘A Maltese perspective on breaking bad news in cancer: an assessment of patients’ perspectives.’

The impetus for this study was a lack of clarity among Maltese doctors as to whether cancer patients wish to know their diagnosis or not, and if they do, to what extent they wish to be informed.

The Maltese medical system is largely based on the British system, with respect to syllabuses, training, specialisation and examinations.

Yet, there is no consensus among doctors whether to break bad news to patients according to British guidelines or whether Maltese patients are unique in not wanting to know their diagnosis.

One hundred and ninety-nine cancer patients participated in the study and the results obtained were compared to those from international studies.

The study unequivocally revealed that Maltese cancer patients want to be informed of their cancer diagnosis and clearly desire information about treatment and prognosis, with results similar to those obtained from international studies, particularly British, American and Italian.

When it came to patients making decisions regarding their treatment, a good proportion of Maltese patients (60 per cent) seem to be inclined towards leaving decisions in their physician’s hands.

Agius has been a medical doctor for eight years and is currently completing her specialisation in respiratory and general medicine in Malta.

Her part-time studies were carried out over three years and funded by the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS).