The oncologist's role in delivering palliative care.

Given that such a substantial proportion of oncology patients have advanced and/or incurable cancer oncologists invariably face enormous challenges in maintaining or improving the quality of life of this cohort of their practice. The provision of supportive and palliative care for these patients is a core element of quality cancer care. As the primary professional health care provider to the cancer patient, the oncologist has a special, significant, and challenging role in the care of these patients and their families. This article addresses the scope of these responsibilities and challenges and provides some introductory insights relating to practice that will be elaborated upon in the other contributions in this special issue of the Cancer Journal.