ABSTRACT
Introduction Dyspnea is commonly defined as an uncomfortable sensation or awareness of breathing. It is a particularly subjective sensation, with a complex pathophysiology in which both physical and cognitive factors play an important role. Dyspnea is generally reported to be frequent in the cancer population with prevalence variations related to the involvement of the cardiopulmonary system by the disease, the stage of cancer or the services (referral or palliative care) taking care of the patients. Cancer and its treatment are known precipitating factors for several diseases that involve the cardiopulmonary system, such as thromboembolic or infectious diseases. Moreover, cancer is commonly diagnosed in patients who have significant underlying cardiopulmonary problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiac insufficiency.
