Palliative care – an appropriate response to childhood cancer

CPCN calls on health authorities around the world to recognise the importance of palliative care as an appropriate response to the diagnosis of cancer in children.

The ICPCN believes that children and families faced with a cancer diagnosis should be provided with the very best care possible and should never have to walk this difficult journey alone. They must be provided with the support of people who fully comprehend the challenges they will face and are trained to do everything possible to ease the burden of the disease on the affected children and those who love them.Too many medical professionals hold on to the mythical belief that palliative care is only appropriate when all curative measures have failed, leading to patients and families missing out on the comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate care that a palliative care team provides, irrespective of the outcome of the treatment.Commenting on the importance of recognising the need for palliative care for children with cancer, Joan Marston, CEO of the ICPCN says, “Children with cancer remain children and deserve the best possible quality of life while living with their condition. Palliative care, available from the time of diagnosis, through an holistic approach to care of the child and family, can help to control pain and other distressing symptoms – physical, emotional and spiritual, and help the child live as well as possible, as long as possible.” …read more.

From ehospice

Dr Joan Marston is part of our APHN paediatric forum team leading a discussion on “Who should be referred to Paediatric Palliative Care?”. Click here to join the forum.

Published on: 24 February, 2015 | Last modified: 24 February, 2015