Background:
Cancer incidence and mortality in Uzbekistan have been steadily increasing, resulting in a growing number of patients living with advanced and incurable disease. A substantial proportion of people with cancer experience pain, other distressing physical symptoms, psychological suffering, and social and spiritual needs that remain insufficiently addressed. International evidence and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations emphasize that palliative care is an essential component of comprehensive cancer control and should be integrated early in the disease trajectory. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, including Uzbekistan, palliative care remains underdeveloped and unevenly accessible.

Objective:
To summarize the current status of palliative care for people with cancer in Uzbekistan, identify key system gaps, and outline priority actions under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) 2026–2035 to improve quality of life and equitable access to palliative care services.

Materials and methods:
This analysis is based on the National Cancer Control Strategy 2026–2035 and the NCCP Action Plan, complemented by available national data and WHO guidance on palliative care integration. Key domains reviewed included service availability, workforce capacity, access to essential medicines, referral pathways, and health system integration.

Results:
Palliative care services in Uzbekistan are at an early stage of development and do not adequately meet population needs. Current capacity is limited to palliative care units in major oncology institutions and three hospices, resulting in restricted geographic coverage. Major gaps include a shortage of healthcare workers trained in palliative care principles, limited integration of palliative care into primary health care and home-based services, and inadequate access to essential palliative care medicines, particularly strong opioids for pain management. Awareness among health professionals and the public regarding the role and benefits of palliative care remains low, contributing to late referral and underutilization of available services. Consequently, many patients with advanced cancer experience poorly controlled symptoms and reduced quality of life.

Planned NCCP actions:
The NCCP identifies palliative care as a strategic priority within the cancer care continuum. Planned actions include establishing a national palliative care steering committee and a national centre of excellence; expanding hospital-based, home-based, and community palliative care services; integrating palliative care into primary health care; strengthening workforce capacity through structured training for physicians and nurses; improving availability and rational use of essential palliative care medicines; and developing clear referral pathways to ensure timely access. The NCCP aims to ensure that at least 80% of people with cancer have access to palliative care services by 2035.

Conclusion:
Palliative care is a critical yet underdeveloped component of cancer control in Uzbekistan. The NCCP 2026–2035 provides a phased and measurable framework to address existing gaps and to establish accessible, high-quality palliative care services nationwide, in line with international standards and people-centered cancer care principles.