Palliative Care
Palliative care in cancer is specialized medical care focused on improving the quality of life for people living with cancer—especially those with advanced or terminal stages. It’s not limited to end-of-life care and can be provided alongside curative treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
Key Aspects of Palliative Care in Cancer:
- Symptom Management:
- Pain relief (using medications like opioids or nerve blocks)
- Nausea and vomiting control
- Breathing difficulties
- Fatigue and weakness
- Appetite issues
- Emotional and Psychological Support:
- Helps patients and families cope with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
- May involve counseling, spiritual support, or support groups
- Social and Family Support:
- Assists with caregiving challenges, finances, transportation, and communication within families
- Decision-Making and Advance Care Planning:
- Helps patients understand treatment options and align them with personal goals and values
- Includes discussions about advance directives and end-of-life wishes
- Hospice Care (when needed):
- Provided in the final months of life, focusing entirely on comfort and dignity rather than treatment
When Is Palliative Care Given?
- From the time of diagnosis, especially in cases of advanced or metastatic cancer
- During active treatment (chemo, radiation)
- After treatment, during survivorship or recurrence
- In terminal stages