Need for effective palliative care in Oncology

PUDUCHERRY: Speakers at a continuing medical education (CME) stressed the need for effective palliative care --  a holistic approach to help patients with advanced stages of cancer -- because management of symptoms and provision for psychological, social and spiritual support is of paramount importance.The CME on palliative care in oncology, organised by the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), was inaugurated by Dr T S Ravikumar, director of JIPMER. Dr K S Reddy, director of RCC and dean addressed the gathering.According to recent statistical data, nearly 70 per cent of cancer patients require palliative treatment as a main modality.Palliative care aims at providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, integrating the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care and offering a support system to help patients live as actively as possible. It also provides support to the family to cope with the patient’s illness.Dr K Gunaseelan proposed a vote of thanks.