I was told that Japanese Doctors don't discuss mortality rates with their patients. I was told they don't even mention the word Cancer. If a patient has stom

I was told that Japanese Doctors don't discuss mortality rates with their patients. I was told they don't even mention the word Cancer. If a patient has stomach cancer, the patient is given the best currently available treatment, and is told they have a bad case of heart burn--and told they will get better! The reasoning is they want to get every once of magic The Placebo Effect has to offer. I don't know if it's better to quote stats to a patient, or lie(hopeing the Placebo Effect will take over?). Personally, I don't use the Internet for any health related concerns--It has always just made me feel worse, and is loaded with hysteria, and just horrid advice. And yes, I know U.S. Doctors can't lie to their patients. I'm just relaying what I was told twenty years ago. When I get sick--I'm not sure if I would want to the statistics of survival. I would live every day as my last. I would take any drugs the Pallitive care Physician offered though. My father benefitted greatly from the opiates the doctors prescribed before he died. I hope the doctor makes a full recovery, and commend him on his honesty and openness. Sometimes I forget doctors will someday be patients. Oh yea, to the Marin General counter person who asked me if I wanted to sign a Advanced Procedure Directive, before even saying hello--if you happen to read this--one day you will be on the other side of the counter. Good night! I hope you all stay well and are happy!