A Phenomenon That Challenges Physicians and Nurses: Breaking Bad News in Oncology

Breaking bad news is one of the most common and challenging communication processes healthcare professionals encounter in oncology practice. Conveying negative information to patients regarding diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment is not merely a medical briefing but a complex process involving ethical, legal, and psychosocial dimensions. This review discusses the meaning of breaking bad news, the factors affecting this process in oncology, the ethical and legal dimensions involved, and approaches to delivering such news. It concludes that the process of breaking bad news should be treated as a professional skill, that healthcare workers should be supported in this regard, and that they should be empowered through systematic training programs.