How do doctors know when a person with cancer is about to die?
Im caring for a friend 72 year old man with advanced prostrate cancer I was told today he only has weeks or months at the most to live . He has tumors throughout his body. How do Doctors know when a perso is about to die?
Expert Answer
Doctors do not know for sure when someone will die. We have no crystal balls. From our experiences, we can have some idea and so the "weeks to months" which gives a general idea without being specific. There are many patients who will say that "my doctor said I had (some amount of time) to live and I am long past that. The purpose of the doctor's statement is not to be exact but instead to prepare the patient and family to think about what needs to be done in the time left (however much there is); a will, advanced directives, important conversations and other things that the patient may wish to do. These are crucial activities at the end of life and it is important to think about and do them while there is time to act.