Listening to people with cancer.

Modern oncologic treatment includes prescriptive remedies for patient-defined illnesses as well as physician-defined diseases. To obtain needed information, oncologists must be skilled as discriminative, analytical, supportive, critical, and appreciative listeners. Listening skills help to establish rapport, confirm understanding, and exchange background information. The neuropsychiatric needs of impaired patients and oncologists should be identified and remedied to improve oncologist-patient communication. Improvements in listening skills makes the oncologist's work more meaningful and helps their patients to feel more confident.