What is Palliative Care in Cancer? Who Needs It?

Hearing the word “cancer” can be confusing and even intimidating. In a jiffy of medical appointments, treatment plans and all the medical jargon, palliative care is one term that is commonly misunderstood. Some think it’s just for the later stages of a battle with cancer, but it’s more than that.

Let’s break it down in a simple, clear way.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a type of medical care that aims to treat symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with serious illnesses such as cancer. Rather than focusing on the actual disease, palliative care focuses on you and your comfort, symptoms and well-being.

It helps relieve symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep issues

But it’s not only physical care. Palliative care also helps with emotional, psychological and even social issues that can arise with a cancer diagnosis.

It’s an additional layer of support that supplements cancer treatment.

Is Palliative Care the Same as Hospice Care?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

Palliative care can be initiated at any point during the cancer – even at the time of diagnosis, and it can be delivered in conjunction with other therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Hospice care is for patients who are in the last stages of life and no longer receiving treatments to cure their cancer.

So if your doctor recommends palliative care, it doesn’t mean it’s time to stop treatment. Rather, it means making you feel as good as possible while you are being treated.

Who Needs Palliative Care?

The short answer: anyone with cancer can benefit from palliative care.

But it becomes particularly important in the following cases. 

1. Patients Experiencing Side Effects from Treatment

Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can be harsh. If you’re experiencing intense side effects such as nausea, pain or fatigue, palliative care can help to control these symptoms.

2. Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cancer

Patients with advanced cancers—such as colon cancer or any other form of cancer—often benefit greatly from palliative care to manage symptoms and improve daily comfort.

3. Patients Struggling Emotionally

Cancer can also impact mental health. Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed is common. Some palliative care teams also have a counselor or psychologist.

4. Patients with Complex Medical Needs

Other patients have cancer and other medical conditions. Their care and symptoms may be complex – that’s when palliative care can really help.

5. Families and Caregivers

Not only does palliative care help patients, it also educates families about the disease, helps them make decisions and provides resources and support.

What Does a Palliative Care Team Do?

A palliative care team typically consists of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and sometimes social workers. They work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

Here’s how they help:

• Pain and symptom management: Adjust medications and therapies to keep you comfortable
• Emotional support: Help you cope with stress, fear, or uncertainty
• Nutritional guidance: Suggest diet plans to maintain strength and energy
• Communication support: Help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options clearly
• Care coordination: Work alongside your oncologist to ensure seamless care

The bottom line is to help you live your best life during and after cancer.

When Should You Start Palliative Care?

Much sooner than you might expect.

In fact, research has demonstrated that early palliative care can:

• Improve quality of life
• Reduce hospital visits
• Improve quality of life
• Even boost survival rates in some instances

You don’t have to wait until symptoms are bad. The sooner you start, the more active it can be.

Does Palliative Care Mean Stopping Cancer Treatment?

Absolutely not.

Palliative care is used together with other treatments. You can have palliative care in addition to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.

Sometimes, when cancer can no longer be cured, palliative care may become the primary treatment, but this is always determined in consultation with the person living with cancer.

Why is Palliative Care Important?

Treating cancer is about more than trying to beat the disease – it’s about living with dignity, comfort and quality of life.

Palliative care ensures that:

• Pain doesn’t control your life
• Side effects are managed effectively
• Your mental health is being taken care of
• You and your family are given support

It adds a more person-centred approach to cancer treatment – it’s not only treating the cancer, but the person.

Final Thoughts

Palliative care is sometimes not well understood, but it’s a vital part of cancer care. It isn’t about dying, but living well, even with a life-threatening disease.

No matter the diagnosis—be it colon cancer, kidney cancer, or others—palliative care ensures better quality of life throughout the journey.

If you or a family member has cancer, talk to your doctor about palliative care. Early intervention can go a long way to providing comfort, confidence and a better quality of life.

Ultimately, cancer treatment should not only add life to years, but years to life.