Palliative Care for Patients with Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Palliative care plays an important role along the disease continuum for patients with advanced lung cancer. Mastery of core palliative care clinical skills, such as symptom management, prognostication, communication, decision making, and transition of care, would allow oncologists to better serve patients and families. Common symptoms in lung cancer patients, such as dyspnea, pain, fatigue, cough, hemoptysis, anorexia, cachexia, depression, and anxiety, can usually be managed effectively. For patients with severe symptoms or psychosocial distress, early involvement of the palliative care team is essential.