by Katrina Nickels, University of Kentucky

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When facing a cancer diagnosis, patients often hear the term “palliative care” but may not fully understand what it means. Palliative care is all about improving quality of life and providing patients with an extra layer of support throughout treatment. Think of it as having an extra team of cancer specialists in your corner.

A robust palliative care team includes specially trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and chaplains who work together to address all aspects of living with cancer—from managing treatment side effects to providing emotional and spiritual support.

For example, if a patient is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, their palliative care team can help manage side effects like nausea, pain or fatigue. We coordinate closely with patients’ oncologists to ensure their symptoms are well-controlled—allowing them to better tolerate treatment. We also help patients and families navigate complex treatment decisions and cope with the stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Palliative cancer care can include:

• Managing cancer-related symptoms, such as cancer pain and treatment side effects.
• Emotional support and mental health care during cancer treatment.
• Coordination between oncology teams and other medical providers.
• Access to cancer support resources, including transportation and lodging.
• Help understanding cancer treatment options and making medical decisions.
• Support for family members and caregivers.

Palliative care is different from hospice care, which is specifically for end-of-life support. Palliative care can join at any point after a cancer diagnosis and continues along with cancer treatment. Remember, accepting palliative care doesn’t mean stopping cancer treatment. Instead, it means having additional experts focused on your comfort and quality of life during treatment, which can help make your cancer journey easier.

Provided by University of Kentucky

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