When cancer hits home: attitudes, practices, and ethical challenges of Lebanese physicians treating family members

Physicians are frequently asked to provide care for their own family members, a situation that may blur professional boundaries and challenge ethical norms. In Lebanon, where family involvement in cancer decision making is culturally prominent, physicians may face additional pressures regarding truth disclosure and caregiving. Evidence on how Lebanese physicians navigate these situations remains limited. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional survey among physicians registered with the Lebanese Order of Physicians in Beirut. A total of 196 physicians completed the questionnaire. Respondents were categorized into two groups based on whether they had experienced a family member with cancer. Descriptive analyses examined physicians' attitudes and practices regarding cancer diagnosis disclosure and the provision of medical care to relatives. Overall, 70.9% of respondents reported having a family member with cancer during their medical career. Across both groups, most physicians supported truthful disclosure of a cancer diagnosis, with 61.4% of physicians without an affected family member favoring direct disclosure to the patient. Among physicians who had faced requests for nondisclosure, 62.5% disagreed with concealing the diagnosis. Providing medical care to relatives was common, with 71.2% reporting that they had done so, primarily to comfort relatives (66.7%) or facilitate access to health care (48.5%–60.0%). Difficulty maintaining objectivity (up to 50.0%) and setting professional boundaries (up to 71.4%) were frequently cited reasons for declining care. Most physicians perceived treating relatives as more challenging than treating other patients. Lebanese physicians commonly encounter ethical tensions when disclosing a cancer diagnosis or providing care to family members. Although support for truth-telling and professional standards is high, cultural expectations and family dynamics significantly influence practice. These findings highlight the need for clear ethical guidance, institutional support, and culturally sensitive communication training to assist physicians in managing dual professional-familial roles.