[Cancer treatment in terminal stage]

The decision of treatment for cancer patient in terminal stage differs from that of patients in early stage or in stage of good P.S. (performance status). The small part of patients desire to make every effort for life-prolongation if it follows severe complications, but major part of patients desire to relief from several pains and distresses, or to maintain high quality of life and living. True and enough informations are necessary for patient to choose or decide the course of treatment. The self-decision for treatment by informed consent is desirable. The three points of terminal care are follows: 1) Life-prolonging treatment Life-prolonging treatments with less distress and complication, if that is based on informed consent, are usefull and necessary. 2) Relief for pains and distresses Pain control and aids for psycho-social-religious distresses. 3) Support for the death of desirable choice How to die is how to live. The treatment based on patient's view of life must be chosen. (A) Pre-terminal stage To keep balance the wills for social life and/or life-work and complications of treatment. (B) Final stage The decision of choice of resuscitation and/or intensive care must be decided by patient and/or family.