Evolution of palliative care in the French Cancer Centers-Unicancer

The French Cancer Centers (FCC) have a threefold mission, care research and education. Their specificity is multidisciplinary and comprehensive patient support at all stages of cancer. Innovation and research are at the heart of FCC action, but the care of patients in the palliative phase is a major and long-time concern. In each center there is an autonomous or integrated structure of palliative care in a service or Interdisciplinary Department of Support Care for the Patient in Oncology. These include, besides the hospice activity, chronic pain, psychooncology, social support, nutrition, functional rehabilitation, etc. Furthermore, the FCC have, in accordance with a secondary regulatory text to National Plans for palliative care, identified beds of palliative care (IBPC) in oncology day hospitals and in palliative care. In 2006 a Unicancer FCC group was established. One of the group's goals is to promote "early palliative care" together with other FCC teams. A common research dynamic has been implemented, ensuring the development of organizations and palliative culture.