March 01, 2003
Improving cancer treatment means care for dying patients
One of every two men and one of every three women in Georgia will develop cancer during their lifetime and almost one-half will die from the disease. The Georgia Cancer Coalition, funded by the tobacco settlement money in Georgia, has a goal of increasing cancer research, prevention, early detection and treatment. The Coalition has also made a commitment to those patients who will not be cured.
As a primary partner in the Georgia Collaborative to Improve Care, the Health Care Ethics Consortium of Georgia is working with the Cancer Coalition to address quality of life, palliative care and end of life care in Georgia. Palliative care supports comprehensive care of the cancer patient and family from the point of diagnosis, including relief from symptoms, psychosocial and spiritual support, and support for family through bereavement.
Representatives of eight regional coalitions in Georgia attended the November 20 Collaborative/Cancer Coalition workshop "Developing a Program for Supportive Care for Cancer Patients." Kathy Kinlaw served as conference coordinator and worked with Karen Trotochaud and six other Collaborative leaders is designing the workshop and serving as workshop faculty.
Participants were provided information, resources, models and tools to support development of program components in palliative care, community and patient education, caring for children, attending to diversity, health care professional education and continuity of care. Participants were charged with developing a plan for inclusion of these elements in overall proposals for comprehensive cancer plans throughout the state.
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