David Currow, BMed, PhD, MPH, FRACP, FAChPM, FAHMS, GAICD of Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, discusses challenges in cancer supportive care. Cultural challenges around the acceptability of treatments in some places around the world, or limited access to inexpensive drugs like opioids needs to be addressed. Dr Currow mentions that it’s important that cancer supportive care services are actively developed at the same time as cancer treatments, without waiting for a perfect cancer service. World Health Organization (WHO) essential medications need to be available throughout the world, as patients with poorly controlled symptoms are less likely to finish the treatment. In addition, psychosocial support is required as patients face the trauma of cancer, living with cancer, or at late stage disease leading ultimately to death. Recorded at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) 2016 Annual Congress in Adelaide, Australia.
