Telling patients their diagnoses is widely accepted
in Western cultures as a necessity for informed
decision making. Even children with
cancer often are told their diagnosis if they
are able to understand it and wish to be involved
in treatment decisions. Although the legal
authority for decision making lies with the
parents, the ethical concept of pediatric assent
calls for the child to be involved to the
maximum extent possible according to the
child’s cognitive skill, emotional maturity,
and individual views.