Palliative care needs of cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the importance of early integration of palliative care into cancer survivor care. To discuss common symptoms experienced by cancer survivors and how integration of palliative care can improve management.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed literature, Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, Institute of Medicine report: From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor-Lost in Transition.

CONCLUSION

Primary symptoms may vary depending on disease, age, treatment, and other comorbidities. A multidisciplinary palliative care team can help manage the primary late effects for cancer survivors including fatigue, depressive symptoms, anxiety and distress, pain, and sleep disturbance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The long-term and late effects of cancer survivors will best be provided for by knowledgeable nurses who can anticipate and integrate palliative care into survivorship care early in their treatment plan.