Availability and Integration of Palliative Care at US Cancer Centers

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Abstract
Although significant progress has been made in cancer treatment, approximately half of all patients with cancer eventually die of their disease, and one-third of cancer deaths happen within 6 months of diagnosis.1 Palliative care outpatient clinics, inpatient consultation teams, palliative care units (PCUs), and hospices all play an integral role providing symptom control, psychosocial support, and transition of care for patients with cancer and their families along the cancer care continuum. Based on this understanding, multiple national and international organizations support early incorporation of palliative care into oncology practice.2-5 Most recently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology has taken a step further to support full integration of palliative care as a routine part of comprehensive cancer care in the United States by 2020.6