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Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine$
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Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (4 ed.)

Edited by Geoffrey Hanks, Nathan I. Cherny, Nicholas A. Christakis, Marie Fallon, Stein Kaasa, Russell K. Portenoy

Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Oct 2009
Print ISBN-13:
9780198570295
Published to Oxford Medicine:
Mar 2011
DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198570295.001.0001

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Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

Contents

The problem of suffering and the principles of assessment in palliative medicine

Chapter:
The problem of suffering and the principles of assessment in palliative medicine
Author(s):

Nathan I. Cherny

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198570295.003.0006

Despite the advances of modern medicine, many illnesses continue to evade cure. Chronic progressive incurable illness is a major cause of disability, distress, suffering, and, ultimately, death. This is true for many causes of cancer, progressive neurologic disorders, AIDS, and other disorders of vital organs. Progressive chronic diseases of this ilk are most common in late adulthood and old age, but they occur in all ages.

When cure is not possible, as often it is not, the relief of suffering is the cardinal goal of medicine. Recognition of this axiom is at the heart of the philosophy, science, and practice of palliative medicine.

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