The principles of palliative radiotherapy: a palliative care physician's perspective.

The relationship between oncology and palliative care is an evolving one. As one debates the processes of palliative radiotherapy, it is important to realize that "palliation" and "palliative care" are not synonymous. We need to explore the definition of palliative care, the myths surrounding palliative care and dying, the need for optimizing pain management and, finally, access to palliative radiotherapy and palliative care.