UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Methods: Pain Relief and Palliative Care Group (PR& PCG) created under the auspices of the Lebanese Cancer Society (LCS) to promote Palliative Care in Lebanon and to act as a focus for all those who work , or have an interest , in the field of Pain & Palliative Care. Aims and objectives are: - Increase the awareness and promote the development and dissemination of palliative care, bring together and train those who at any level are involved with the care of patients with incurable and advanced disease, address the ethical problems associated with the care of terminally ill patients

Results: Palliative care in Lebanon has made some important strides in the last decade but it is still in its infancy. Education and training of health professionals in Palliative Care should be provided by medical and nursing schools. Postgraduate education in medicine and nursing and ensuing certification should be made available. A close collaboration between medical and nursing associations to achieve this end will be needed and is highly recommended. It is as important and essential to involve policy makers in the development of pain relief and palliative care services. The time will come for Lebanon to form the National Council for Pain Relief and Palliative Care as an advocacy and coordination body for pain relief and palliative care in the near future.