The challenges and opportunities of the anesthesiologist to improve the quality of palliative care

In 2017 around the world it is estimated that nearly 9 million people die of cancer and will continue to increase to 13 million per year by 2030. In Indonesia, the prevalence of cancer is still high at 1.4 per 100 population or around 347,000 people (Riskesdas 2013 data). Some types of cancer that are common in the community are cervical, breast, lymph nodes, skin, and nasopharynx. Patients with advanced disease, both cancer and non-cancer, generally experience symptoms and high psychosocial pressure, but low fulfillment of their physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. They need palliative care that is expected to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. This paper will review the role of anesthesiologists in palliative care of patients and their families. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.