Accepting Patient Autonomy in the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

Joyce A. O'Shaughnessy, MD

April 24, 2023

Joyce O'Shaughnessy, MD, reflects on the important principle of patient autonomy and how, as a younger clinician, she encountered a patient with breast cancer who refused early intervention with either chemotherapy or antiestrogen therapy, which caused a strain in their relationship.

Now, after a career of treating patients with breast cancer, Dr O'Shaughnessy advocates for a strategy that both respects the choices of the patient and seeks to partner with them in whatever way they wish to navigate their cancer journey.

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Accepting Patient Autonomy in the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer - Medscape - Apr 24, 2023.

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Accepting Patient Autonomy in the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

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Joyce A. O'Shaughnessy, MD

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