In the last decade, a series of landmark studies have demonstrated the benefits of early integration of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. These are benefits available for the patient including improved symptom control, quality of life, and greater satisfaction with information provided and decision making. Benefits also extend to the patients’ family members and to the health system more broadly. Practice is, however, slow to change and early palliative care is not yet routinely integrated in patient care.
A series of factors have been identified as influencing access to palliative care, including uncertainty about the appropriate timing, concerns about patient and family perceptions, communication concerns and resources. These factors will be explored in turn along with potential solutions and opportunities to develop palliative care that is available as a standard part of high quality care to those with advanced cancer.