A survey of published studies and programs concerning the family and friends of cancer patients, shows that Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon countries are well ahead in the development of evaluated programs for information and help, considering the patient and his significant others, as well as the medical team as a whole, in a global approach to treatment and follow-up. In France, since the first « États Généraux des malades » (National meeting of patients) for cancer patients organised by the

more »

... e Nationale contre le cancer in 1998 and 2000 and the establishment of the « Plan Cancer », we witness an irreversible evolution of attitudes and mental process leading to a better support of patients and their families and friends.