[The role of hospice in Japan]

It was more than 15 years ago that the concept of Hospice Care was introduced to Japan through the activity of St. Christopher's Hospice established in London, 1967. At that time medico-social circumstances in our country were not necessarily desirable for both doctors and patients, especially for terminally ill cancer patients. In this paper, some factors spoiling the good relationships between doctors and patients will be analyzed and the importance of Hospice in our country will be explained based on the 10 years' practice and experience at Seirei Hospice. Moreover, some details on how to take care of terminally ill cancer patients will be mentioned. Conclusively, it should be emphasised that the special department of terminal care medicine for cancer patients must be organized, and the appearance of doctors who devotedly attend to the practical activity for terminal care is heartly expected.