Ananova:

Researchers have found terminally-ill cancer sufferers often develop a "false optimism" about their condition as both they and their doctor are reluctant to confront the fact they are dying.

Doctors and patients collude in a "recovery plot" which encourages people to focus on the present, believing they can be treated and cured, rather than recognise that they have an incurable cancer.

The study, in the British Medical Journal, says doctors do not deliberately mislead patients, but they do focus on what treatment can be given rather than the reality of the grim prognosis.

False optimism often ends in regret as patients suddenly recognise that they are close to death, and felt they did not have enough time to say their goodbyes or make final preparations.

Researchers in Holland sat in on consultations with 35 people suffering from incurable small cell lung cancer.

They watched the patients' psychological progress from initial diagnosis until their deaths, and studied the way doctors communicated with them.

All but six cancer sufferers showed signs of false optimism.

Report author Anne-Mei The said: "During observations at the clinic it became apparent that patients there rarely dealt with their approaching death. They were making plans for the future."