Description

A new journal: CME in Cancer Medicine

(Oncology & Palliative Medicine)

Advances in the diagnosis and management of cancer patients are being made on all fronts. Many of these new techniques and therapeutic interventions have been covered in review articles in the CME oncology bulletin, thus keeping oncologists abreast of recent developments in the field. Existing methods of diagnosis and treatment have also been optimised by the close cooperation of personnel with different skills in the multidisciplinary breast team. Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and specialist nurses now work very closely to provide the very best standard of care in seamless service.

Despite advances in cancer screening, surgery and adjuvant therapy, many patients unfortunately still relapse, develop ongoing symptoms and ultimately die of their disease, For these patients, palliative care is the active total care of these patients, whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. The goal is the achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families, and is a specialised branch of medicine in which surgeons, oncologists and general practitioners require training. However, in many cases, close co-operation with a palliative care specialist and his or her multidisciplinary team will provide the best care and support for the dying patient and family. Some of us are fortunate to work very closely with our colleagues in palliative medicine, and in the past the CME oncology bulletin has included review articles from that branch of medicine. We are therefore delighted that this new journal results from a partnership between oncologists and specialists in palliative medicine, and will be a more comprehensive journal in the process, with a true multidisciplinary approach in the non-surgical management of cancer patients

Also, we are very pleased to announce that this journal has now secured the backing and support of the British Oncological Association (BOA). This organisation is the largest multidisciplinary cancer society in the UK with over 400 members, which include surgeons, oncologists, and specialists in palliative medicine, specialist nurses, clinical geneticists, psychologists, radiographers and many others. We intend to develop further our CME role in collaboration with the BOA, and are delighted to welcome Dr Ian Kunkler, President of the organisation on to our Editorial Board. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.