Taking informed consent for major medical procedures: How much should a doctor tell his patient?

A Ministry of Health workgroup is looking at ways to improve the taking of informed consent from patients and to provide more clarity on how to properly advise patients. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
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SINGAPORE - An elderly colon cancer patient went to consult a doctor with his three adult children.

At the clinic, the eldest daughter told the doctor not to let her father know if he has cancer. The doctor tried to dissuade the children, saying it is better to tell the patient the truth, but to no avail.

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