29th September 2021

A 62 year old man on the respiratory ward has been newly diagnosed with lung cancer

A 62 year old man on the respiratory ward has been newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Following staging scans and pathology, this is deemed to be stage 4, involving metastases to the liver and bone. The patient is aware of the diagnosis, but not of the stage and prognosis – the consultant is due to attend that afternoon to break the bad news to the patient and his wife. Prior to this, the wife approaches you on the ward and asks if you could give her this information first in private, as she “does not think he will cope”.

Which of the following options is the most appropriate course of action?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.