By Cynthia Pereira de Araújo

Palliative Treatment for Advanced Cancer Patients: Can Hope Be a Right? by Cynthia Pereira de Araújo is an important and thought-provoking book that explores the concept of the Fundamental Right to Health and its limitations in the context of treating patients with advanced cancer. The author delves deep into the question of whether patients with advanced cancer have the right to demand palliative treatment even if its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. In doing so, she challenges the notion of a “Right to Hope” and argues that the best palliative care, rather than unrealistic hope, offers the best right to health for terminal cancer patients.

A Reflection on the Fundamental Right to Health

Throughout the book, Cynthia Pereira de Araújo engages in a thorough theoretical discussion on the concept and limits of the Fundamental Right to Health. She explores the ethical and legal dimensions of this right and examines its relevance in the context of treating patients with advanced cancer. The author argues that hope, while an essential element in the lives of cancer patients, cannot be subject to legal protection. She challenges the notion that patients have a right to demand palliative treatment based solely on their hope for a cure.

The Intersection of Ethics and Law

Cynthia Pereira de Araújo goes beyond the theoretical discussion and presents the results of a qualitative research study she conducted with 48 advanced cancer patients in Brazil and Germany. The study aimed to investigate their expectations towards chemotherapy. The findings of the study shed light on the unrealistic beliefs held by many patients regarding the potential curative effects of chemotherapy.

This research confirms the author’s argument that many patients opt for toxic and exhausting treatments, driven by the hope of a cure or the belief that continuing with chemotherapy can defeat their cancer. The book thus highlights the need for a more realistic understanding of the limitations of palliative treatment and the importance of providing patients with accurate information about their prognosis.

Aimed at Health Professionals and Researchers

Palliative Treatment for Advanced Cancer Patients: Can Hope Be a Right? is a highly relevant book for healthcare professionals and social workers working with advanced cancer patients. It offers insights into the ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding the provision of palliative treatment and emphasizes the importance of providing the best possible palliative care for terminal cancer patients.

In addition to its relevance to healthcare professionals, this book is also valuable for researchers in the fields of public health, bioethics, medical ethics, and health law. It contributes to the growing interdisciplinary field of end-of-life decision-making and prompts readers to critically reflect on the concept of hope and its implications in the context of advanced cancer treatment.

An Essential Addition to the Field

Palliative Treatment for Advanced Cancer Patients: Can Hope Be a Right? offers a fresh perspective on the concept of hope and its role in the treatment of advanced cancer. Cynthia Pereira de Araújo’s research and theoretical analysis provide valuable insights into the ethical and legal dimensions of the Fundamental Right to Health in the context of palliative care. By challenging the notion of a “Right to Hope,” the author encourages a more realistic and informed approach to treatment decision-making.

If you are a healthcare professional, social worker, or researcher interested in the field of end-of-life decision-making, this book is a must-read. It will expand your understanding of the ethical, legal, and practical considerations involved in providing the best possible palliative care for advanced cancer patients. Order your copy of Palliative Treatment for Advanced Cancer Patients: Can Hope Be a Right? today and embark on a journey of critical reflection and knowledge.

Product Details

• Publisher: Springer; 1st ed. 2023 edition (May 6, 2023)
• Language: English
• Format: eBook Digital
• Pages: 129
• ISBN-10: 3031307755
• ISBN-13: 978-3031307751