The importance of communication skills to effective cancer care and support.

• good communication is a basic component of good clinical care, without which even the technical aspects of medicine cannot be effectively delivered; • cancer carries with it a high psychological burden, thus the costs of poor communication are particularly salient in this patient population; • the literature suggests there are currently substantial problems in doctor–patient communication; • there is clear evidence that effective communication can make a difference to patient outcomes such as understanding and psychological adjustment; • cancer patients place good communication high on their priorities for care; • doctors regard their current training as inadequate, and cite communication difficulties as a major contributor to stress and burn-out; • research has proven that communication skills can be taught and maintained.