Do cancer patients have the right to refuse chemotherapy?

Question

A 16 yr. old kid is fighting doctors to avoid chemo; he wants to explore alternative medicine.

Answer 1

Adults can refuse treatment. In Abraham's case (the 16 year old) The court ordered the parents to sign his papers, saying they were okaying the treatments. The parents fought the verdict and had it overturned, temporarily, in the higher court. They will be going back into court mid-August again.

I think if the treatment has failed once and the patient had a hard time with it, they shouldn't be forced into a second time (a treatment that will be much more invasive than the first) This is America, not Nazi Germany. We don't tie people down to beds and force deadly chemicals into their bodies. That's why we fight for "choice" in this country.

Answer 2

in this case a minor was choosing his treatment and his parents
agreed but social services wanted to get involved to force the
treatment cause the doctor felt it was in the child's best interest.

in the case the alternative medicine was herbal i believe and
not approved as a treatment for cacer by the fda.

i think though a 16 year old in alot of cases could be mature
enought to make his own decision on treatment but i think
it's on a individual bases some may not be mature enough.

Answer 3

Since you are still a minor, I believe your parents have the ultimate say in your treatment. Not knowing the details of your particular type of cancer or why you do not want to pursue chemotherapy, it's impossible to comment on your particular situation. If the reason is because your hair might fall out, that's NOT a good enough reason--hair has never cured cancer but chemotherapy has!!! :-) (Besides, you can wear fun hats/caps/wigs etc etc and it will grow back in!!!) If it's because of the temporary side effects, that NOT a good enough reason either--the pain and discomfort of doing chemo for a one year period or less are well worth the possibility of a life-long cure--GO FOR IT!!! The ONLY reason I would opt to not do chemo at your age would be if my doctors told me my body could not tolerate the treatment.

I did chemotherapy for a year for stage three Hodgkins Disease at the age of 39, and I believe without the chemo I would have died within two years. At one time during my treatment I told my husband I couldn't do the chemo anymore and that I was quitting. He allowed me to have my say, then told me that he was going to the garage to start the car and would be back in for me so we could leave for my appointment. Had he not "forced" me to keep my appointment that day, who knows whether I would still be here or not. Luckily he was able to make sound decisions for me when I was unable to do that for myself. I owe my life to his courage to make those difficult decisions for me at the time.

Thanks to him I've been cancer free for over sixteen years, pursued my career goals with a passion, had thirty four years of marriage to the most amazing man on the universe :-), raised our two sons--the joys of our lives--watched them graduate from high school and then college and grow into men of honor and integrity, and last September I danced with my oldest son at his wedding.

Life is indeed very fragile, very precious, and VERY WORTH FIGHTING FOR. I am praying that your parents will be able to make difficult but potentially life saving decisions for you at this time so that you have a chance at a long and happy life as I have had. God Bless you and your family!

Answer 4

I believe someone under 18 does not understand the consequences of exploring alternative medicine. I really don't like it when people flood vulnerable people's minds that docotrs are hiding cures so they can make more money. I work in a cancer lab. No one is out to make money, there's barely enough money to fund the lab, and alternative treatments don't really work.

Answer 5

Yes, cancer patients have the right to refuse treatment.

With minors, it is a little less clear who has the ultimate say, which is why it is in court.

Answer 6

his body his decision if they force him this could then be classed as assault. however has any body sat with the young man asked him and explained what might happen what he would like how he feels and offered him help of where to look what kind of other treatments there are.

Answer 7

with the person only being 16, they are not considered an adult yet, his parents or guardian can say what he is to do. but they still should hear him out and check into what he want. (weigh the pros and cons) good luck to your friend.

Answer 8

i think this depends on the country laws but every one should survive and fight for his life so this boy should continue his medication and God Welling he will be fine.

Answer 9

Yes definitly.

Answer 10

Since he is a minor, no. Maybe he would be willing to compromise and do both.