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My dad 75yr old is diagnosed with prostate cancer he has very health anxiety don't sleep at night just for viral infection.so we are afraid of telling him we didn't inform him now we need to start treatment . doctor told 1st line of treatment is injection so can we hide this matter from patient .what happens if we tell this matter to patient.
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It's better to tell the patient in maaner which is lighter for the patient you can take help from therapist
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This is a very difficult situation, and your concern comes from wanting to protect your father. However, someone with severe health anxiety may imagine something even worse if treatment is started without a clear explanation. Rather than hiding the diagnosis completely, it is often better to share information gradually, in a calm and reassuring way, based on what he is emotionally able to handle. Having his doctor present during the conversation can also help answer questions and reduce panic.
If his anxiety is overwhelming, involve a psychologist or psychiatrist alongside the cancer treatment to help him cope with fear, sleep problems, and distress. With the right emotional support, many people with health anxiety are able to manage the diagnosis and treatment better than their family initially expects.
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Hi, it's better to inform him. May be you can take the help of your doctor
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Dr. Mrinal Gautam
Psychiatrist
3 yrs exp
Kolhapur
It is completely understandable to feel protective of your 75-year-old father, especially since he already suffers from severe health anxiety. However, hiding a cancer diagnosis from a patient is highly discouraged medically, ethically, and legally.
While you fear that telling him will worsen his anxiety, hiding it usually backfires. Prostate cancer treatments—like the first-line hormone injections mentioned—carry noticeable side effects (such as hot flashes, fatigue, and mood changes) and require regular hospital visits. If he experiences these without knowing why, his health anxiety will likely spike even higher as he imagines worst-case scenarios. Furthermore, discovering that his family lied to him can break his trust during a time when he needs a strong support system the most.
Next Steps
Disclose the Diagnosis Progressively: You do not have to give him all the terrifying details at once. Sit down with him in a calm environment and explain the situation using gentle, reassuring language. Focus heavily on the fact that prostate cancer in older adults is often slow-growing and highly treatable.
Involve His Oncologist in the Discussion: Ask his treating doctor to lead or assist in this conversation. Patients often accept difficult medical news better when it is delivered by a medical expert who can immediately explain the treatment plan and answer their questions clearly.
Seek Concurrent Psychiatric Support: Because of his pre-existing severe health anxiety, connect him with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist alongside his cancer therapy. They can prescribe safe anti-anxiety medications or provide counseling to help him process the news without becoming overwhelmed.
Health Tips
Reframe the Treatment: When explaining the first-line injection, frame it as a targeted therapy designed to control his hormone levels and protect his long-term health, emphasizing management over crisis.
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Dr. Vishal Bhatt
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Rajkot
Don’t inform him at all , tell him it’s. Pre cancerous stage we must go for treatment otherwise it may convert into a cancer and start treatment, gradually he will realise that you are saying lie but just start treatment otherwise it may spread to other parts of, if any query kindly connect with me
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.