Cancer services. Minding body and soul.

The psychosocial impact of cancer on patients' families and carers, as well as patients themselves, needs to be considered at all stages of diagnosis and treatment. The Calman-Hine report specified this principle but did not state how it should be put into action. Everyone who comes into contact with people with cancer should have the confidence to ask: 'How do you feel?' Standards should be incorporated into contracts.