Palliative care in gynaecological oncology

Gynaecological malignancy accounts for significant patient morbidity and mortality. Clinical aims focus upon palliative management and supportive care when potentially curative treatment options are exhausted. Patients with recurrent, advancing or terminal disease may suffer severe and distressing physical and psychological effects associated with both cancer diagnosis and treatments. It is of paramount importance that patients, families and carers are provided with the assistance they need to have as high a quality of life as possible.This review focuses upon the provision of relief from pain and other distressing symptoms commonly associated with gynaecological malignancy. In addition, we highlight some of the important aspects of psychosocial care.