This is likely to be true. One study showed that 65 percent of Korean Americans believe that dying patients should not be told their prognosis. In fact, this is a common attitude among family members from many cultures. In some cultures, it may be seen as insensitive to tell a patient he or she is dying. It may be thought to create a sense of hopelessness and hasten the dying process. The very devout may believe that only God knows when someone will die. Among the Hmong, to tell someone they are dying is thought to curse them. How could you know they will die unless you plan to kill them yourself? Others may believe that by saying the words aloud, more energy is given to the possibility, thus increasing the chances that death will occur.