Informed Consent There may be legal principles regarding "informed disclosure" that come into play during these discussions. In the State of California, for example, patients with breast cancer must be given a pamphlet published by the State describing the various methods of primary treatment and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Although this document appears to be comprehensive, its coverage of many important areas is incomplete and outdated.
A brochure certainly cannot replace the important and key discussion between physician, patient and family. Nothing can. This initial comprehensive discussion about deciding on therapy is the most important single meeting that you have with your physician. It forms the basis for all of the decision-making that follows.
