ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the concepts of supportive and palliative care and how they may apply to the working life of a breast surgeon. Breast surgeons are ideally placed to adopt a holistic approach. There are various models that can be used when breaking bad news or engaging in a difficult conversation. One is the SPIKES model, which is a six-point model covering the following areas: setting, perception, invitation, knowledge, strategy and summary. The number of women with early breast cancer is increasing and, as survivorship becomes the ‘new normal' for many, it is important to note that many of these women continue to have physical and psychological symptoms. Palliative care teams offer support in many settings, including acute hospitals, inpatient hospice units and in the community. Hospices can offer much more than end-of-life care and also care for patients with non-cancer diagnoses.
