[Oncological patients in primary care : ruptures and transitions].

Patients with severe cancer go through a journey requiring the involvement of several healthcare providers. Several transitions of care occur: from the general practitioner to the oncologist, and then depending on the outcomes of treatment, the patient enters a palliative care phase, and eventually end of life care. Lack of coordination of the different actors can lead to repeated loss of the continuum of care. Each transition requires better communication between healthcare providers and also with the patient. Improving communication skills could improve the definition of care goals, support family caregivers, facilitate early contact with a palliative care team, and better respect patient choices.