Onkologie. 2025:19(3):119-123 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2025.023

Early integration of palliative care (not only) in oncology

Miroslav Žiaran1, Kateřina Nechvátalová2
1 Komplexní onkologické centrum Pardubického kraje, Pardubice
2 Oblastní charita Chrudim, Domácí hospicová péče, Chrudim

Early integration of palliative care in oncology has gained traction for its potential to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer. This approach provides comprehensive support from the moment of diagnosis, addressing both physical and emotional needs alongside anticancer treatment. Available data highlight the advantages of this approach. Beyond enhancing quality of life, it also improves symptom management, reduces healthcare costs and, in some cases, extends overall survival. Despite these well-documented benefits of integrating palliative care, practical implementation remains significantly far behind. The reasons include low awareness among healthcare providers, limited patient access to palliative care, and the stigma attached to pallia­tive care. Early palliative care prioritizes patient-centred care, respecting individual preferences and enabling patients to actively participate in treatment decisions. This approach represents a transformative model of oncology care, offering multidisciplinary support throughout the entire coures of anticancer treatment and beyond.

Keywords: palliative care, oncology, early integration.

Accepted: June 26, 2025; Published: July 4, 2025  Show citation

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Žiaran M, Nechvátalová K. Early integration of palliative care (not only) in oncology. Onkologie. 2025;19(3):119-123. doi: 10.36290/xon.2025.023.
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