Palliative Care and Rehabilitation of Cancer Patients (Cancer Treatment and Research Book 100)

Introduction The prevailing model of medical care for patients with cancer emphasizes the curative efforts of medical technology toward the eradication of the disease. Yet the suffering of the patient as a result of both the disease and our efforts to treat it is often overlooked. If we are to improve the survival of patients with cancer, it will be through intensive research into the molecular under­ pinnings of the disease and clinical trials of new therapies. However, it is essen­ tial to recognize and address the suffering of cancer patients as they are being treated. It is the purpose of this book to illuminate and advance the preven­ tion and treatment of suffering as part of the continuum of care for patients with cancer. Fundamental concepts Since the time of Hippocrates in the fifth century B.c., there have been two overall goals for the physician: • Cure of disease • Relief of suffering From our vantage point in the late twentieth century looking back at previ­ ous centuries, it is easy to observe that, aside from surgery, much of the medical care administered to patients with cancer was aimed at relieving the suffering associated with illness. It wasn't until the concept of disease (as opposed to illness) was elucidated and the scientific method was applied to understand­ ing and eradicating cancer that significant strides were made to improve the physician's ability to cure cancer. The prevailing model of medical care for patients with cancer emphasizes the curative efforts of medical technology toward the eradication of the disease. Yet, the suffering of the patient as a result of both the disease and our efforts to treat it is often overlooked. If we are to improve the survival of patients with cancer, it will be through intensive research into the molecular underpinnings of the disease and clinical trials of new therapies. However, it is essential to recognize and address the suffering of cancer patients as they are being treated. It is the purpose of this book to illuminate and advance the prevention and treatment of suffering as part of the continuum of the care of patients with cancer. This book illustrates the broad range of issues encompassed by palliative care and rehabiliation of cancer patients. In essence, the driving goal of relieving suffering and improving quality of life links the two fields. As oncology matures as a field, there is more emphasis on taking care of patients as whole persons and maximizing their functions and abilities up to the last day of their life.

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Pain management: pharmacological approaches....Pages 1-29 Cancer anorexia/cachexia....Pages 31-41 Palliation of abdominal symptoms....Pages 43-57 Palliation of breathlessness....Pages 59-73 Physical rehabilitation of the cancer patient....Pages 75-89 Rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients....Pages 91-105 Rehabilitation of breast cancer....Pages 107-133 Rehabilitation of prostate cancer....Pages 135-160 The research palliative care unit....Pages 161-183 Palliative care education: a global imperative....Pages 185-201 Assessing quality of life in palliative care....Pages 203-216 Back Matter....Pages 217-225