Palliative Care: Improving Quality of Life
Facing a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience for patients, families and caregivers, both physically and emotionally. During these challenging times, palliative care, also known as supportive care, offers invaluable support by managing cancer-related pain, symptoms and side effects of treatment to enhance comfort throughout the cancer journey. Palliative care helps individuals navigate the complexities of their care with greater ease.
Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses. This interdisciplinary approach aims to provide relief from physical, emotional, social, and spiritual suffering for patients and their families across the continuum of the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment to post-treatment care.
Provided by a team of specially trained doctors, nurses, advanced practice practitioners, social workers, chaplains and other specialists it is appropriate at any age and stage and can be offered alongside curative treatment.
The “best” palliative care provides relief from a range of physical symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath and loss of appetite. It also addresses psychological and emotional aspects such as anxiety, depression and stress, helping patients and their families cope with cancer. Additionally, palliative care offers counseling, spiritual support and assistance with advance care planning.
Palliative care teams work closely with patients and their families to develop personalized care plans, ensuring treatment decisions align with their goals, values and preferences. This approach empowers patients to have more control over their care and improves communication between them and their health care providers.
When cancer progresses and curative treatment options are exhausted, palliative care also offers crucial support and counseling on end-of-life issues. Hospice care, a component of palliative care, provides end-of-life care for individuals with a life-limiting terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, emphasizing dignity, respect and compassion during the final stages of life. Hospice teams focus on pain management, symptom control and emotional support, ensuring that patients can spend their remaining time with loved ones in a comfortable and peaceful environment.
Palliative care and hospice play vital roles in supporting cancer patients throughout the cancer continuum, from diagnosis and treatment to end-of-life care. Studies have shown that patients who receive palliative care experience improved quality of life and well-being, have fewer hospital visits and may live longer. By providing comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs, these services enhance the quality of life for patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during a difficult time.
If you or a loved one are facing cancer, consider exploring palliative care to receive the support and care you deserve by requesting a referral to the Moffitt Supportive Care Medicine Department.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.