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Inside the Ethics Committee

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Religion & Ethics

Joan Bakewell and a panel of experts wrestle with the ethics of a real-life medical case.

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to wrestle with the ethics arising from a real-life medical case.

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 11

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 11: Episode 4: Teenager Refuses Chemotherapy

Teenager Refuses Chemotherapy

Episode 4

Episode 4: Teenager Refuses Chemotherapy

Series 11

BBC Radio 4 - Inside the Ethics Committee, Series 11, Teenager Refuses Chemotherapy

Ashley is 15 and refusing chemo. Should the medical team and his mum accept his choice?

Ashley is 15 and refusing the cancer treatment that could save his life. Should the medical team and his mother persuade him? Or should they accept his decision?

Ashley is 14 years old when doctors discover a brain tumour. Tests reveal that it's highly treatable; there's a 95% chance of cure if he has a course of radiotherapy.

Ashley begins the treatment but he has to wear a mask which makes him very anxious and the radiotherapy itself makes him sick. He finds it increasingly difficult to bear and he starts to miss his sessions.

Despite patchy treatment Ashley's cancer goes into remission. He and his mother are thrilled but a routine follow-up scan a few months later shows that the cancer has returned.

Ashley is adamant that he will not have the chemotherapy that is recommended this time. He threatens that he will run away if treatment is forced on him. Although Ashley is only 15 he is 6'2" and restraining him would not be easy.

Should the medical team and his mother persuade him to have the chemotherapy? Or should they accept his decision, even though he is only 15?

Joan Bakewell and her panel discuss the issues.

Producers: Beth Eastwood & Lorna Stewart
Photo Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Joan Bakewell and a panel of experts tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case.

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case.

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Inside the Ethics Committee

Series 11

Episode 4: Teenager Refuses Chemotherapy

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