RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: In this paper, the authors analyse the increasing number of oncological patients, above all the terminal ones. The aim of hospice is to guarantee a high quality residual life. Hospice must not be regarded as a place of sweet death; on the contrary it's a hospital where palliative cares take place. It is, then, an alternative to home in the most critical phases of illness. CONSIDERATIONS: Despite a lasting interest in the matter, a law setting up a standard has been lacked until DPCM of 20/1/2000 that established structural, technological and managerial requirements for the centres of palliative cares. New hospices must be built in sunny places, in close contact with nature and easily reachable both by private and public means of transport. The law provides for three areas: a residential area, an evaluation and therapy area and a general area of support.