The care of patients dying from cancer.

A census of seriously ill cancer patients at home and in hospital was undertaken in 1977 in Southampton Health District. One hundred and thirty-seven patients were identified in whom no further curative treatment was appropriate. Ninety-seven (71 per cent) were interviewed, 63 at home and 34 in hospital. Thirty-four per cent of patients reported moderate or severe pain in the 24 hours prior to interview. Similar proportions were found in the home and in hospital. Only 5 per cent were receiving oral diamorphine. Night nursing and home help services did not meet the needs of the patients.