Citation

Tolia M, Symvoulakis EK, Kamposioras K, Mauri D, Skoutari A, Volkos P, Schizas D, Spanos A, Kokakis I, Tsoukalas N, Charalampakis N, Cuccia F, Alongi F, de Mello RA, Antoniou KM, Hyphantis T, Nixon I, Matthaios D, Nikolaou M, de Lorenzo F, Apostolidis K. J. BUON 2021; 26(6): 2678-2693.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Imprimatur Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE: Inmate oncologic patients' rates increased drastically worldwide. Elderly, limited exercise, unhealthy diet, hepatitis, HIV + status, tobacco and alcohol use, constitute the main cancer risk factors. We present an outline of practical oncological management and ethical thinking, in the specific environment of a detention facility.

METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials, SCOPUS and grey literature were extensively searched up to October 2021. Incarcerated oncologic patients experience various everyday challenges:their confinement in high security facilities, the lack of access to critical care and related ethical dilemmas inherent to the context of a correctional facility.

RESULTS: The detention facilities may be inadequate in providing early cancer diagnosis and appropriate care mainly due to a lack of specialized personnel, b) in-house or in external specialized cancer hospitals, care variability (e.g. admissions in small local or regional hospitals), c) delays in providing access and d) gatekeeper systems. There is a paucity of administration of a)systemic therapy (chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy etc),b)radiotherapy, c) palliative care, and d)enrollment in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS: Correctional facilities must encourage teamwork between healthcare and correctional professionals in order to improve the provided anticancer care. © 2021 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

human; assisted suicide; Cancer; psychological aspect; euthanasia; cognitive defect; patient care; law enforcement; terminal care; terminally ill patient; prisoner; cancer patient; clinical examination; vulnerability; cancer radiotherapy; Article; cancer palliative therapy; ethical decision making; Inmate; holistic care; Patient; compassionate use; ethical dilemma; Approach; coronavirus disease 2019; correctional facility; Anticancer; detention center; Holistic; security personnel