Conflicting evidence leaves the influence of awareness of a terminal illness on survival time unclear,
highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of its broader effects on well-being
and end-of-life care. This paper hypothesizes that while the direct impact of prognostic awareness
on survival may be variable, it plays a crucial role in enhancing psychological well-being, quality
of life, and engagement in end-of-life care discussions. This review first defines prognostic awareness
and the factors influencing it. Second, it examines the existing literature on the correlation
between awareness and survival. Finally, it synthesizes findings on the psychological and quality
of life implications of being aware of a terminal prognosis. The expected findings suggest that
while a definitive link between awareness and prolonged survival is not consistently demonstrated,
awareness is associated with improved psychological well-being, better quality of life, and increased
engagement in end-of-life planning. Ultimately, this review concludes that fostering accurate
prognostic awareness, supported by sensitive communication, addresses the gap in knowledge
by highlighting its importance for enhancing the overall experience of patients facing a terminal
illness, even if its direct impact on life expectancy is not definitively established.
