The incidence of cancer is rising
in pediatric population since last decade. In 2016, about 10,000 children are
projected to be diagnosed of cancer in United States. Though five-year survival
in most of the pediatric cancer patients is more than 80% now, cancer remains the
most common cause of mortality after trauma in age group 5-14 years.
The growing
population of pediatric cancer survivors warrants parallel rise in the
palliative care. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) palliative care is,
‘An approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families
facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness.
Through the prevention and relief
of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and
treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual’.
Notably contemp orary thoughts advocate the integration of curative and
palliative approaches in pediatric patients.
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