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The interface between medical oncology and supportive and palliative cancer care
Dawn J Storey1, Marie T Fallon, John F Smyth
1University of Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre and Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Traditionally, medical oncology has focused on the active period of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer patients, and palliative medicine, the pre-terminal and end-of-life phases. Palliative medicine physicians have particular expertise in communication and symptom control, especially, for example, with pain management. Medical oncologists also have need of excellent communication skills and knowledge of supportive care issues, such as the management of emesis, bone marrow suppression, mucositis, neuropathy, and symptoms created by treatment. This article examines the interface between medical oncology and supportive and palliative care to emphasize how each can benefit from the others.
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