Difficulties and Disparities in Colorectal Cancer End-of-Life Care: A Patient's Story

Clin Colon Rectal Surg DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786393Patients with advanced colorectal cancer nearing the end of life require a multidisciplinary approach to address the unique challenges they face. Using a case vignette, we outline the various stages of a patient's journey with advanced rectal cancer and the common obstacles to their care as they interface with the medical system. We highlight how Black persons might be vulnerable to differences in screening, treatment, procedural interventions, end-of-life care, and health care decision-making. The article also addresses how health inequities and barriers relating to concordant treatment goals can impact the relationship between patient and surgeon. This vignette illustrates the importance of ensuring a team approach to treatment and the value of early involvement of palliative medicine for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text
Source: Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research