Managing people with diabetes during the cancer palliation in the era of simultaneous care.

Managing people with diabetes and cancer during palliation constitutes a daunting challenge. Cancer, diabetes and treatment toxicity could be seen as a "Bermuda Triangle" for physician and health care professionals in general. Based on literature review, the present paper stresses the distinctive aspects that diabetes and cancer together involve and bring out.

The positive role of caregivers in terminal cancer patients' abilities: usefulness of the ICF framework.

Background: Among the purposes of palliative care, reducing perceived disability during the terminal stages of illness is of paramount importance.

Aim: The aim of this study was to shed light on the possible role of the caregiver as a modulator of disability in patients with advanced cancer receiving end-of-life palliative care by means of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Design: Observational prospective cross-sectional study.

Knowledge and expectations of patients in palliative care: issues regarding communication with people affected by life-threatening diseases.

Objective: Different social norms influence the type and amount of information transmitted to palliative care patients. In Italy disclosure rate is low and medical decisions are often mediated by the family since communication of diagnosis and prognosis is viewed as harmful and brutal. Aims of our study were to assess palliative care patients' knowledge about their diagnosis and prognosis and expectations; and to evaluate possible differences between palliative care patients with and without cancer.

[International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and quality of life in cancer patients in a terminal condition].

Quality of life (QoL) preservation for the patient with cancer in a terminal condition is a central goal in palliative care. Aim of the present study is to assess QoL and to verify the additive value of the ICF in a sample of cancer inpatients of a palliative care unit. Method.