Incluye referencias bibliográficas

Key messages. Pre-planning. Is a cancer palliative care plan needed? Planning step 1: where are we now? Assess the number of people in need of cancer palliative care. Assess the needs of patients, health-care providers and family caregivers. Assess the existing palliative care plan and activities. Understand the social context of the palliative care plan and activities. Self-assessment by countries. Planning step 2: where do we want to be? Define the target population for palliative care. Identify gaps in palliative care services. Set goals and objectives for palliative care. Assess feasibility of interventions. Consider ethical issues. Set priorities for palliative care. Planning step 3: how do we get there? Bridge the gaps in palliative care. Raise the necessary resources. Organize cancer palliative care services across all levels of care. Adopt a team approach. Understand the role of health-care providers. Create palliative care teams. Educate caregivers. Educate the general public and policy-makers. Ensure the availability of essential drugs for the management of pain and others symptoms. Develop palliative care standards. Evaluate and monitor the palliative care plan and activities.