Early integration of palliative care in cervical cancer: Experiences from a pilot study.

Introduction: Palliative care (PC) has been classically synonymous with end-of-life care offered to patients with advanced incurable cancers with an aim to improve their quality-of-life (QoL). However, there is growing evidence to suggest that early integration of PC (EIPC) along with cancer-directed management improves patient-reported outcomes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of EIPC on QoL of cervical cancer patients treated with curative intent.

The socio-economic burden of cancer: An observation from the palliative care OPD.

A cross-sectional study was planned to assess the socio-economic burden of cancer among patients referred for palliative care. Patients referred within 6 months of diagnosis were grouped as early while others were late referrals. The socio-economic status, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), and budget adjustments were noted and compared between the two groups using SPSS v 23.

Factors Influencing the Initiation of Strong Opioids in Cancer Patients on Palliative Care: An Audit from a Tertiary Cancer Center in India.

Aim: This audit was done to analyze the factors influencing the use of strong opioids in cancer patients receiving comprehensive palliative care from a tertiary institute.

Materials And Methods: Case records of patients registered for palliative care at our center in 3 months were retrospectively reviewed and followed up throughout the course of their illness. Demographic factors, prior treatments, social support system, analgesic use at registration, and use of radiation and adjuvant analgesics were recorded.