The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has actively promoted the inclusion of cancer control for many years, even suggesting that in a third of cancer control resources go towards palliative care. Early palliative care is widely promoted for people living with advanced cancer, especially those who are dying as a result of cancer. The primary skills of palliative care are essential across the cancer continuum 1) breaking bad news, 2) treatment of symptoms related to cancer; 3) treatment of symptoms related to treatment; 4) psychosocial care; 5) advanced care planning; and 6) care of the dying.
Cancer survivorship is an often misunderstood term, applying to all those living with a cancer diagnosis. The primary skills of palliative care should be applied to all patients living with a cancer diagnosis and not just those who are approaching the end of life.
A critical question arises about the provision of these palliative care services and who with screening and early detection we engage primary care throughout the cancer continuum.