[The contributions of psychiatrists to cancer patients].

In recent years, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare has promoted the dissemination of palliative care services in Japan. In 2006, the Cancer Control Act was approved and this law has been implemented since April 2007. Based on this law, the Japanese government established the Basic Plan to promote Cancer Control Programs. This plan reflected the opinions of cancer patients and their families, and aimed to reduce their burdens and improve their quality of life. According to the Basic Plan, the Japanese government designated prefectural and local cancer hospitals, and required the creation of palliative care teams in each designated cancer hospital. The role of palliative care teams is to assess the physical, psychological, social, and existential needs of patients with advanced illness and their families. On the other hand, the training programs for palliative care (Palliative care Emphasis program on symptom management and Assessment for Continuous medical Education: PEACE Project) and communication skills (SHARE-CST) were developed and implemented. The psychiatrist has a role in the education of nonpsychiatric members, especially in the training of palliative medicine fellows.