Early Integration of Palliative Care and Quality of Life in Advanced-Stage Cancer
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Authors
Younkin, Abigail
Date of Issue
2023-04-28
Type
Presentation
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Abstract
Despite advances in research, cancer continues to be a global health concern. In 2020 it was estimated that 1.8 million new cases of cancer would be diagnosed, with more than 600,000 predicted to succumb to the disease (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Cancer care treatment options can be complicated by an advanced-stage diagnosis. Quality of Life (QoL) is an important factor when considering treatment options. QoL is defined as the enjoyment of life and how it relates to an individual sense of well-being and the ability to carry out activities of daily living. One treatment option for patients with advanced cancer diagnoses is early palliative care (EPC) which prioritizes the management of pain and symptoms, setting goals of care, providing psychosocial support, and honoring the individual’s unique ideals related to their disease. Comparatively, standard oncological care (SOC) is another treatment option that can be pursued which generally consists of therapies aimed at targeting cancer cells with the help of a care team. The purpose of this evidence-based practice review is to determine the QoL outcomes for advanced-stage cancer patients, specifically comparing QoL ratings for those seeking EPC interventions with those who seek SOC treatments. This research aims to provide information regarding the QoL outcomes between the two groups to provide insight for providers of patients with advanced-stage diagnoses. This is also of interest to the nursing community, as nurses are often at the forefront of providing treatments to cancer patients, especially therapies and advocacy related to QoL.