Communication difficulties in oncology practice: A Q&A workshop

The fundamental parameters of professional communication between an oncologist and a patient are quality contact and the presence of trust. Their absence can cause the physician stress in the doctor and become a source of unpleasant experiences. Disruption of the communication process intensifies patients' psychological distress, reduce treatment satisfaction, and even affect the effectiveness of the conducted treatment due to the patient's understanding of the information. This can lead to conflicts and complaints.For five years, as part of the Russian Oncology Congress, medical psychologists with experience in cancer clinics have been conducting master classes, during which various aspects of psychologically competent professional com munications between a doctor and a patient are considered. The article discusses the questions asked during the last master class (11-13 December, 2025) and the answers of psychologists, which offer some principles and specific ways to resolve difficult situations that arise at the recep tion of oncologists.