6 things everyone should know about oncology palliative care

Palliative care is misunderstood. While it's often believed to be exclusively for those who are terminally ill or near the end of life, palliative care is designed to relieve a person's pain and suffering at every stage of a serious disease. Research shows that people who receive palliative care experience meaningful benefits. Despite this evidence, confusion about who palliative care is for and when it can be used remains a common barrier to access.

So, what does oncology palliative care actually offer patients? Who provides it, and how does it fit into a patient's overall treatment plan? Understanding what palliative care includes can help patients and caregivers know when it may be helpful.

Clinical and supportive reasons for palliative care

1. Oncology palliative care is a specialized field of medicine that addresses the whole person-not just their disease. Its goal is to prevent and treat the physical symptoms and side effects of cancer, as well as the psychological, social and spiritual impacts. This may include providing help managing pain, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression and the emotional strain that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
2. An oncology palliative care team is a specially trained group of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other specialists who work collaboratively with a patient's doctor and cancer care team. Together, they ensure everyone is aligned on the patient's care plan, goals, personal values and preferences.
3. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that oncology clinicians refer patients with advanced solid tumors and blood cancers that have spread to other parts of the body to an interdisciplinary palliative care team for outpatient or inpatient care. Patients can also ask for a referral to a palliative care specialist based on their physical and emotional needs.
4. Palliative care is appropriate for cancer patients of any age and at any stage of the disease. It can be particularly helpful when symptoms or treatment side effects are affecting daily life, when emotional stress feels too difficult to manage, when care decisions feel overwhelming, or when caregivers need additional support.
5. Caregivers supporting loved ones with cancer often struggle to balance obligations, such as household chores, work and taking care of children or other family members. Social work services can help caregivers cope by providing support and practical resources. Supporting caregivers is an important part of palliative care, as caregiver stress can directly affect a patient's health and quality of life.
6. For patients receiving cancer care at Providence Cancer Institute, insurance that covers cancer treatment also covers guideline-recommended palliative care services during that treatment.

Providence Cancer Institute Franz Oncology Palliative Care Clinic

If you have questions about oncology palliative care or wonder whether it may be helpful for you or a loved one, the Providence Cancer Institute Oncology Palliative Care team is here to talk with you about your options. We welcome conversations at any point in your cancer treatment and can explain what support might look like for your situation.

Learn more here.

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