Who breaks bad news: Doctors, family caregivers or cancer patients? A qualitative study in Southern China

This qualitative study was conducted among the family caregivers of cancer patients treated in a hospital in Shenzhen, southern China, to elucidate the truth-telling process. Thirteen participants were recruited, and the data were thematically analyzed. The five major themes are as follows: Who discloses the truth to cancer patients? How do patients react to being informed of their true condition? What happens to cancer patients after they learn the truth? What are the impacts of family relationships and Chinese culture on truth telling? How do cancer patients behave after learning the truth?