[The spiritual needs at the end of life of patients suffering from lung cancer].

BACKGROUND Theoretically this subject seems remote from the role of doctors or paramedical staff caring for these patients. The supporting treatments themselves, identified in the Cancer Plan, include symptomatic treatment, social and psychological support, physiotherapy but not clearly spiritual care. The advice is patchy and the definition of roles imprecise. VIEWPOINTS One could envisage that spirituality is the awareness of, or the search for, the meaning of life and the relationship with others, and of transcendence. The spiritual needs of patients, based on the question of meaning, are not remote from the therapeutic process. The recognition and taking into account of the fundamental role of spiritual aspects in the decision making process is a measure of the liberty of the patient and of respect for his individuality. Spiritual needs are characteristic of the human condition and constitute the foundation of schemes of shared care, that is to say meaningful for both patients and carers.