Treatment of dyspnea in cancer patients.

Dyspnea is defined as a sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. The symptom is highly prevalent among cancer patients with and without direct lung involvement. The gold standard of assessment is based on patient self-report.

Clinical management of dyspnoea.

Dyspnoea, defined as a sensation of an uncomfortable awareness of breathing, is one of the most frightening and distressing symptoms for patients with cancer. It is very common in cancer patients with and without direct lung involvement. The gold standard of diagnosis and assessment is the patient's self-report.

Recommendations to improve end-of-life care through regulatory change in U.S. health care financing.

Palliative care has emerged as the interdisciplinary approach to relieving suffering and improving quality of life. Unfortunately, it is not yet available to all who need it. Although legislation may ultimately be needed, regulatory changes can quickly improve the current situation.

Nonpain symptom management.

Excellent symptom management is paramount in palliative care. Without it, the individual patient will be unable to focus appropriately on other issues of concern, including those of a psychosocial, emotional, or spiritual nature. This article reviews current pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for symptoms commonly encountered in palliative care.