Background/Objective: Cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of cells. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Chemotherapy is a major course of treatment used to cure and/or slow the growth of cancer. However, patients do not always choose to undergo chemotherapy. The objective of this review is to identify major factors that influence a patient's decision to forego chemotherapy treatment.

Method: This study was conducted by reviewing literature on the topic.

Result: Progression of the disease, quality of life, religious factors, cultural values, financial ability, fertility, and physician recommendations were determined to be the main factors that influence a patient's decision to forego chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Patients consider a variety of factors when deciding to either begin chemotherapy or stop chemotherapy treatments. Patients and physicians may not share the same priorities for treatment options, but the patient will ultimately determine the decision. There are other treatment options or options for care when patients do not under chemotherapy.