Refusal of Cancer Treatment

While many cancer patients undergo months or years of ongoing treatment, there are those who make the controversial decision to forgo cancer treatment. They do so for a variety of reasons, and their loved ones have a variety of reactions.

Legality

• It is completely legal to refuse treatment for cancer, provided that you are of the age of majority.

Minors

• Minors have more difficulty refusing treatment for cancer and sometimes get embroiled in court cases when they refuse. Doctors and family members often reject the minor's attempts to refuse treatment.

Rationales

• People have a variety of reasons for refusing cancer treatment. In many cases, the pain and suffering caused by treatments like chemotherapy is more painful than letting the cancer run its course, and patients choose to spend their last days at home with their families. Other reasons include religious beliefs or economic difficulties.

The Racial Component

• Some research indicates that, at least in cases of breast cancer, a person's race may play a role in the decision to refuse treatment. According to research by Dr. Monica Rizzo of Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, African-American women with advanced breast cancer are more likely than other groups of women to refuse breast-cancer treatment.

Treatment Alternatives

• In some cases, patients may forgo traditional treatments like chemotherapy and instead choose holistic treatments. Alternative treatments include herbal remedies, electrode therapy and oxygen therapy.