A Survivor Story: Lynell Hunt
I’ve been putting off writing about cancer because I didn’t want to be reminded of what a difficult period of my life it was. From diagnosis through the early part of chemotherapy, I was a ball of
Read BlogPalliative care helps to relieve the symptoms or problems caused by cancer or other diseases. Cancer treatments are designed to cure or control the disease. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life at any stage of cancer.
Some health care professionals may consider palliative care for those nearing end of life. This is because, in the past, the palliative care was focused on hospice care and meeting the needs of those nearing the end of life. Now it includes care for people at all stages of life-altering illnesses.
Your health care team may not use the term palliative care to describe these services. They might use terms like whole-person care, comfort-oriented care or supportive care.
Palliative care focuses on preventing, treating, reducing or removing discomfort. It seeks to bring a patient personal satisfaction and improve quality of life. The National Consensus Project (NCP) for Quality Palliative Care has created a set of professional guidelines that define palliative care and provide guidance to health care professionals.
Palliative care includes services provided by a variety of health care and other professionals for physical, emotional, spiritual and practical concerns. These services may be delivered in and continued across various settings at different times. This is known as continuity of care. Palliative care can be provide in:
For Physical Well-Being | Role/Function |
Primary care physician, oncologist, palliative medicine specialist, nurse practitioner | Supervises medical care; designs treatment plans; prescribes medication; may consult with or make referrals to specialists. |
Social worker | Coordinates palliative care among all the different professionals; referrals to community and other resources; arranges family meetings. |
Pain specialist (medical doctor) | Works with the primary care physician or oncologist to prescribe and monitor pain medications and other therapies. |
Other medical specialists | Treat specific aftereffects (for example, fertility, cognitive or skin problems). |
Registered nurse, preferably certified in hospice and palliative care | Provides direct care; explains or answers questions about treatment; often helps coordinate care with other members of the team. |
Physical and/or occupational therapist | Assists to regain strength or movement following treatment; provides assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing. |
Dietitian or nutritionist | Offers nutritional counseling and dietary plans to help choose appropriate foods and diet. |
Massage therapist | Provides therapeutic body work. |
Pharmacist | Answers questions about and provides medications ordered by the physician. |
Complementary therapy providers | Ask the health care team for recommendations about appropriate complementary therapies such as meditation, acupuncture or other therapies |
For Emotional, Social, Spiritual Well-Being | Role/Function |
Psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse | Evaluates and prescribes medication for emotional difficulties; may provide counseling services. |
Counselor, social worker, psychologist | Offers help in talking about emotions and thoughts and helps find ways to manage concerns. |
Spiritual or faith-based leader | Counsels on faith-based and spiritual matters. |
Grief and bereavement counselor | Assists in dealing with death and any type of loss or anticipated loss, including the loss of physical abilities. |
For Help With Practical Concerns | Role/Function |
Attorney | Develops advance directives and wills. |
Social worker | Coordinates palliative care among all of the different professionals, makes referrals to community and other resources, arranges family meetings, assists with creation of advance directives. |
Note: Always check with your health care team before starting any approach that includes a change in physical treatment such as exercise, massage or physical therapy, medication, herbs and vitamins.
Palliative care may be given during treatment and at any time after. Needs change over time, and no two will have exactly the same experience. Palliative care is appropriate whenever you need it – now or in the future. You have the right to ask for the help you need throughout any time during your cancer journey.
Work closely with your health care team to learn what options may be appropriate for you.
Types of Concerns | Symptoms | Possible Treatments |
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Emotional |
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Day-to-Day Or Practical |
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Start by finding out if your health care team can provide palliative care service. If you have not yet started cancer treatment, ask about treatment options and what side effects and late effects are possible. Ask if there is anything they can do to help you prevent or prepare for possible adverse effects.
Anytime, during or after treatment, it is important to let your health care team know about your feelings and concerns. They can help you with your symptoms or refer you to a professional specialist for help that is right for you.
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National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care. Second Edition, March 2009. www.nationalconsensusproject.org