Impact of the Internet and the Economy on Cancer Communication in China

Abstract

The rapid development of economy and wide use of Internet over the last 2 decades in China have changed how cancer patients are managed, and how doctors and patients communicate. The traditional paternal pattern is being replaced gradually by a more transparent and two-way communication between doctors and patients. Patients and their relatives are more involved in decision-making. Withholding cancer diagnosis and prognosis by medical staff is no longer considered ethical. Properly managing terminally ill patients is gaining support. Although the above major changes happen more in urban and coastal areas, it is probably a matter of time before the management of cancer patients and concept of information-sharing gain more momentum in inland and rural areas, considering the deep-rooted tradition could change within such a short period.