Living with cancer and multi-morbidity: the role of primary care

Blane, D. and Lewandowska, M. (2019) Living with cancer and multi-morbidity: the role of primary care. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, 13(3), pp. 213-219. (doi: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000454) (PMID:31348011)

Abstract

As more people live longer with cancer, the number of patients with cancer and multiple other chronic conditions (multimorbidity) has increased. The presence of multimorbidity impacts on all stages of cancer care, from prevention and early detection through to end of life care, but research into cancer and multimorbidity is in its infancy. This review explores the impact of multimorbidity on adults living with (and beyond) cancer, with particular attention paid to the role of primary care in supporting patients in this situation. Patterns of multimorbidity vary depending on cancer type and stage, as well as population characteristics and available data (e.g. number of conditions assessed). Cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing other chronic conditions, due to a combination of shared risk factors (e.g. smoking and obesity), effects of cancer treatments and psychosocial effects. Primary care has a central role to play in supporting multimorbid adults living with cancer, providing holistic care of physical and mental well being, while taking treatment burden and social circumstances into account. New models of person-centred and personalized cancer care include holistic needs assessments, care planning, treatment summaries and cancer care reviews, and depend on improved communication between oncologists and primary care colleagues.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: DB is currently working on a grant funded by the Royal College of General Practitioners Scientific Foundation Board.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blane, Dr David and Lewandowska, Miss Marta
• Authors: Blane, D., and Lewandowska, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care
• Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
• ISSN: 1751-4258
• ISSN (Online): 1751-4266
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health Inc.
• First Published: First published in Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care 13(3):213-219
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher