Background: Breaking bad news is a common situation in the care of cancer patients and is challenging for both patients and healthcare professionals. Despite the fact that every patient or situation is unique there are generally valid rules of communication which can be considered as skills and it is possible to learn them.
Purpose: The aim of this contribution is a brief description of tools for more confident communication - the protocol for breaking bad news SPIKES and the strategy for responding to emotions NURSE. Good management of specific communication situations in oncology significantly contributes to better patient compliance, prevents conflicts and reduces frustration and exhaustion of healthcare professionals.