Cancer in adolescents and young adults is an emerging subspecialty of oncology. The unique needs of teenage patients is beautifully illustrated in the new film “The Fault in Our Stars.” to learn more about the issues and for my review of the movie (from a medical perspective), see my latest article in the Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cary-a-presant-md/are-there-tears-in-your-p_b_5539168.html
It is logical that having a good physician with whom you have a close relationship can improve your sense of confidence in your medical care. But does it result in improved health care outcomes?
In an important scientific article, K. Trevino and co-authors studied the relationship between 95 young adults with advanced cancer and their physicians. In these young adults who were between 20 and 40 years old, having a strong relationship with the physician,…