A 60‑year‑old woman with advanced breast cancer, who has capacity, tells her oncologist that she wants to stop all cancer treatment and “just enjoy

Question

A 60‑year‑old woman with advanced breast cancer, who has capacity, tells her oncologist that she wants to stop all cancer treatment and “just enjoy the time I have left.” The oncologist is concerned she is “giving up.” From a palliative care perspective in the UK, which statement best applies?

Accepted Answer

Choosing quality of life over treatment burden is a legitimate autonomous decision that should be respected—the palliative care team ensures she is fully informed and symptoms are optimally managed

Answer

At age 60 she is too young to consider stopping oncology treatment as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Answer

The palliative care team should try to persuade her to continue cancer treatment as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Answer

Stopping cancer treatment means she will stop all medical care and support as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Answer

Her decision reflects clinical depression that must be treated before any treatment plan is changed as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Choosing Quality Over Treatment — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ