Athens, Feb 18, 2009

20,000 – 25,000 deaths from cancer are reported each year in Greece. From these cancer patients, 30-40% will suffer from pain at the first stages of the disease, and 80-90% during the last stages of the disease.

Today, during a Press Conference held by the Hellenic Society of Palliative and Symptomatic Care of Cancer and Non-Cancer Patients (HSPSCCNCP), with the participation of the Presidents of two great European Scientific Societies, namely Professor G. Varrassi (President of EFIC – European Federation of IASP Chapters) and Professor L. Radbruch (President of EAPC – European Association for Palliative Care), the demands regarding improvement for the provision of Palliative Care and Pain Management in Greece were presented. Specifically, emphasis was given on education, infrastructure and research for chronic pain management and palliative care per se, i.e. three elements necessary for the provision of satisfactory care for terminal patients.

“As a conservative estimate, more than 320,000 cancer patients and 285,000 non-cancer patients require support or care from specialist palliative care services in the European region at any given time” pointed out the EAPC President, Prof. L. Radbruch.

«7,6 million people die annually from cancer, and it is estimated that, in the next decade, there will be 86 million deaths worldwide according to reports by the World Health Organization (2007). In Greece, 20,000 – 25,000 deaths are reported each year, placing cancer in the second position of causes of death, just after cardiovascular diseases. From these cancer patients, 30-40% will suffer from pain at the first stages of the disease, and 80-90& during the last stages, underlined Assoc. Professor A. Vadalouca, President of the HSPSCCNCP.
According to available data, current scientific efforts are deemed necessary; however, political will is required to implement effective action plans. The whole society should contribute towards this direction and, as G. Varrassi, President of the EFIC, pointed out: «Mass Media now dedicate much more time and space on information regarding chronic pain, and not just cancer pain, than they used to. Politicians now realize that chronic non-cancer pain is not just a healthcare problem but a social problem as well, and one that deserves their attention. Scientific Societies dealing with pain issues are working hard not just to enhance scientific knowledge but also to achieve the dissemination of this knowledge to all levels of healthcare provision”.

«It should be noted that the operation of modern Palliative Care structures represents a nation’s civilization index. Access, without discrimination, to Palliative Care is a recognized human right”, mentioned Asoc. Prof. A. Vadalouca. However, these functions require education and research. The demands presented by the HSPSCCNCP, toward this direction, are as follows:

1) To forthwith implement the statutory framework on Chronic Pain Management and Palliative Care Structures, taking into account the recommendations by HSPSCCNCP and the Hellenic Pain Society so as to make all the necessary amendments.

2) To proceed to all the necessary improvements of the statutory framework regarding hospices, mainly in regard to staffing and the qualifications of the Scientific Director.

3) To provide beds for the needs of pain management departments and of pain management units in state hospitals, University hospitals and the hospitals of the Social Insurance Institute.

4) To offer funds for Education and Research, and to organize Educational programs.

5) To provide education, support and certification to non-professional volunteers working in Palliative care.

6) To finally overcome all obstacles posed by the anachronistic legislation regarding the availability of opioid analgesics, such as morphine, and to make available all types of opioids in our country.

7) To make palliative Care available for all citizens in their preferred location, including rural Health Centers, special Hospices and patients’ homes.

In regard to HSPSCCNCP's efforts, Professor L. Radbruch, President of the EAPC, pointed out that "in order for this endeavour to become successful, the support of the whole society, and not just of the policy makers, is required. The quality of life of terminally ill fellow people, and dignity in death are essential human rights and a minimum obligation for society”.

In this context, all concerned fellow citizens are prompted to visit the HSPSCCNCP website, www.grpalliative.org, and to sign the “Signature” of Support as a manifestation of solidarity for HSPSCCNCP’s efforts.