title: The dying cancer patient.
abstract: Cancer patients often die with serious unrelieved symptoms causing a distressing death for them and needless added suffering for their families. Many physicians have not been trained to care for the dying patient. This chapter reviews the common symptoms and describes the methods to control them and support the patient and family through this difficult time. These symptoms are so characteristic of the dying process that all physicians should recognize them, be skilled in providing appropriate care, and prepare for problems that may arise.
authors.affiliation: Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, the Taussig Cancer Center, and the Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Behrens
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Zhukovsky
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lipnickey
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brady
mesh_terms: D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012067:Religion; D016414:Resuscitation Orders; D013727:Terminal Care; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology