Public health and palliative care.

Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts of society. There are many reasons why palliative care is now a significant public health issue. Death follows a period of chronic or progressing illness, where symptom control and support are needed. This has a significant effect on our health care resources; 10% to 12% of total health care costs are spent on the end of life. Across the globe, populations are aging, such that by 2020 in many countries almost 1 in 3 people will be aged 65 years or more. After reaching the age of 65, people now live an average of another 12 to 22 years. Cost-effective ways to provide care are needed, and public health has a role in ensuring equity of access to effective care and prevention of suffering and problems during bereavement.