Acknowledging the trend of patients who want a more active role in medical decision making, Cassileth et al. Patients choosing surgery cited convenience and the success of treatment as the main reasons for their choice. The patient who is involved in treatment decisions is generally more hopeful than those who are not, regardless of age. In a general oncology outpatient clinic they utilized a tape recording of the physician's discussion which was taken home by the patient for further review. Because quality of life is not a simple checklist but a multidimensional concept specific to a person's life history and context, social workers are in a unique position to help the patient clarify his values regarding quality and quantity of life.
Groups can act as a catalyst for education and mutual support to enhance decision making.
Groups for men with prostate cancer help bring down the walls of shame and silence about the disease.