CANCER PATIENT RIGHTS

The 10 Principles for a Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights

A proposed bill of rights for patients with cancer is based on the following goals for patient-centric cancer care excellence:

Risk reduction 

Patients have the right to be educated about opportunities to reduce cancer risk, to be screened to detect cancer early, and to be appropriately counseled on the basis of the findings and the best available evidence.

Diagnosis 

Patients with suspected cancer have the right to timely access to trained subspecialists, to rapid diagnostic testing, and to accurate interpretations of their test results that are shared with all relevant clinicians.

Multidisciplinary expertise

Patients diagnosed with cancer for which treatment planning may benefit from multidisciplinary discussion have the right to receive such a service.

Treatment 

Patients have the right to balanced information about treatment options that is provided in understandable language and that takes into account their priorities and values. Patients have the right to have all of their questions answered, including candid and ongoing assessment of their prognosis. Patients have the right to receive up-to-date information about, and have access to, relevant clinical trials.

Second opinion 

Patients have the right to seek a second opinion at any time in their cancer course.

Coordinated care 

Patients have the right to have all testing and treatments provided in a timely and coordinated manner.

Communication 

Patients have the right to read communications among the people who provide their care.

Supportive and ancillary services 

Patients have the right to supportive and ancillary services that address cancer-related health problems (emotional sequelae, pain, symptoms, adverse effects) and personal issues (financial management, caregiving support). Patients have the right to counseling and other services to help them transition from active treatment to follow-up care.

Privacy 

Patients have the right to expect that their privacy will be safeguarded by all members of the treatment team and by ancillary staff.

Follow-up care 

Patients have the right to receive a treatment summary at the end of therapy that explicitly describes how their cancer will be observed, what signs or symptoms to look for, and whom to contact as needs arise.