Editorial

Abstract

European Journal of Cancer CareVolume 12, Issue 2 p. 109-109 Free Access Editorial First published: 22 May 2003 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2354.2003.00401.xAboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat It appears that despite past and current work in the detection and treatment of depression in palliative care patients, still an unacceptable number have to suffer this miserable condition. Although more inclusive than just cancer, a recent report (Stiefel et al. 2001) was published by an Expert Working Group (EWG) of the Research Steering Committee of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC), indicating that the incidence of clinical depression in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer was still far too high. The reasons appear to be unchanged from the earlier work. Lack of knowledge may prevent healthcare professionals even to consider asking some of the questions that may detect depression. Lack of observational skills may not pick up the body language or behaviour of someone with advanced cancer who is struggling with depression. Lack of knowledge of the signs and symptoms of clinical depression may delay referral and treatment. Some – whether patients or professionals – may have an expectation that ‘this is how you feel with cancer and you just have to put up with it’. If the main outcome for cancer palliative care patients is to achieve the best possible life quality given the unchangeable fact of the diagnosis and prognosis, then many of us are failing in our duty of care. The EWG presented some conclusions or recommendations for consideration and action to attempt to resolve this problem. These include education of health professionals in awareness of the problem and how to begin to detect it; the establishment of collaboration between palliative care services and mental health services for speedy and effective referral and treatment; and research into the development of more sensitive tools or scales to identify clinical depression in this group.The detection and treatment of clinical depression for patients with advanced cancer must be a priority. At the EAPC's recent conference in The Hague another fascinating debate took place following a plenary lecture on the Netherlands’ approach to euthanasia. Whilst always a contentious issue, a UK palliative care physician's reply to the paper presented by a professor of medical ethics in the Netherlands was gracious and thoughtful. In particular, his suggestion was that those who have worked in palliative care for some time and who are hostile to the notion let alone the act of euthanasia may not have done everything that can be done to understand the intense suffering of those facing advanced illness that will ultimately lead to death. It bears reflection. References Stiefel F., Trill M.D., Berney A., Olarte J.M.N. & Razavi D. (2001) Depression in palliative care: a pragmatic report from the EWG of the EAPC. Support Cancer Care 9, 477– 488. Volume12, Issue2June 2003Pages 109-109 ReferencesRelatedInformation