ABSTRACT
The field of supportive care in oncology is rapidly growing. This is evidenced by the wide range of experiences that individuals can face during the process of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and after-care. There is at least one journal dedicated to the subject - Th~ journal of Supportiv~ Oncology (www.SupportiveOncology.net) - and entire meetings are dedicated to the field (1st Chicago Supportive Oncology Conference, September, 2005 (CSOC@SupportiveOncology. net)}. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states as its policy that 'it is the oncologists' responsibility to care for their patients in a continuum that extends from the moment of diagnosis throughout the course of
illness.' Further, ASCO emphasizes that 'cancer care optimizes quality of life throughout the course of an illness through meticulous attention to the myriad physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of the patient and family.' (https://www.asco.org).
