Patient education often includes working with a therapist to review symptom management and learn about returning to regular activities.

"I say, 'Let's focus on another aspect of your cancer - symptom management.' "

A multidisciplinary approach is generally necessary for optimal diagnosis and symptom management.

The effects, however, neither carried over to general symptom management nor affected pain management at other times.

Treatment of Gorham's disease is for the most part palliative and limited to symptom management.

Either way, aggressive rehabilitation and long-term symptom management are an integral part of the healthcare plan.

Thus, effective symptom management is critical to decrease psychological distress in suicidal cancer patients.

"It's back to basic nursing, about symptom management and caring, not curing."

Also, because the underlying disease mechanism is not yet fully understood (see Causes), treatment efforts have usually focused on symptom management.

If you have questions about pain care or symptom management, please contact Compassion in Dying at 503-221-9556 or www.compassionindying.org.