Integration of oncology and palliative care

2018

Integration of oncology and palliative care: a Lancet Oncology Commission.

2018

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Full integration of oncology and palliative care relies on the specific knowledge and skills of two modes of care: the tumour-directed approach, the main focus of which is on treating the disease; and the host-directed approach, which focuses on the patient with the disease. This Commission addresses how to combine these two paradigms to achieve the best outcome of patient care. Randomised clinical trials on integration of oncology and palliative care point to health gains: improved survival and symptom control, less anxiety and depression, reduced use of futile chemotherapy at the end of life, improved family satisfaction and quality of life, and improved use of health-…

Making progress against cancer in Europe in 2008.

2008

Europe is facing a cancer epidemic, with rapidly increasing incidence rates. Population growth and ageing will further increase the annual number of new patients with cancer. Cancer is a huge and growing contributor to the burden of disease and premature death within the European Union (EU). One in four of all deaths in the EU is attributable to cancer, and in the age range 45-64 years, the figure is almost one in two deaths. The 27 EU Member States differ greatly in cancer incidence, mortality and survival. Yet at least one-third of the cancer burden is preventable and a further third can be detected early and treated effectively, even on the basis of existing knowledge. "Cancer", however,…