Palliative medicine - Important topics regarding seamless cancer care

Abstract

Refractory pain and dyspnea are often observed in lung cancer patients. Palliative care is therefore important and we outline its current situation in the following 5 key phrases: 1) Anti-cancer treatment together with palliative care: Palliative care should be delivered not because the patient is in a terminal stage, but because they need it 2) No cancer 'refugees': Building local networks is required to enable patients to readily and easily transfer between hospitals, palliative care units and their homes. 3) Support the patient's philosophy of life: All patients have their own sense of values. Informed choice is more appropriate than informed consent. 4) Promotion of palliative care: Encourage the use of learning courses and guidelines of palliative care. An education system for palliative care specialists is also being prepared. 5) Linking palliative care: An interdisciplinary team approach with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, rehabilitation staff, social workers and others is important in managing total pain, which includes physical, psychological, social and spiritual pain. © 2011 The Japan Lung Cancer Society.