[Palliative care in cancer patients. Frequency and priority of symptoms]

Abstract

Background: The presence of multiple symptoms is very frequent in patients with advanced cancer disease. In this situation in which cure is not a realistic aim, the goal is to achieve symptom control and to give support to the patient and family. This study was designed to identify the most common and priority symptoms in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: Patients were given a questionnaire with a list of symptoms and were asked to underline those they presented, and also number those they considered most distressful from 1-3. Physicians and nurse independently answered the same questionnaire.

Results: Asthenia was the most frequent symptom (patient evaluation 84%, nurse 82% and doctor 93%). Psychopathological disturbances showed a high prevalence. Regarding patient evaluation, dry mouth was the third symptom in frequency (73%), but it was detected by nurses in 39% and by physicians in 16%. Priority symptoms for the three groups were pain, asthenia, anorexia and anxiety. Pain was controlled in 19/22 patients (86%), while psychopathological symptoms were only controlled in 7/19 patients (27%).

Conclusions: In order to optimize treatment patient participation is mandatory. An interdisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists) is necessary to take care of these patients.