What Is Palliative Care?

What palliative care isExplain▾

Palliative care is care meant to improve the quality of life of people who have a serious or life-threatening disease, such as cancer. It can be given with or without curative care—that is, alongside treatment meant to cure the cancer, or on its own.

Palliative care looks at the whole person, not just the disease. The goal is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, along with any related psychological, social, and spiritual concerns.

You can receive palliative care in the hospital, an outpatient clinic, a long-term care facility, or at home, under the direction of a licensed health care provider. Anyone can receive it, regardless of age or stage of disease.

Many of the same methods used to treat cancer can also be used to help you feel more comfortable. For example, doctors may give chemotherapy or radiation therapy to slow the growth of a tumor that is causing pain, or surgery may remove a mass that is pressing on nerves.

Who provides itExplain▾

Palliative care is usually provided by palliative care specialists—health care practitioners with special training and, sometimes, certification. They focus on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual issues that people with cancer may face.

Often these specialists work as part of a team that may include doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chaplains, psychologists, and social workers. The palliative care team works together with your oncology (cancer care) team to manage your care and support the best possible quality of life. They also support caregivers, help members of the health care team communicate, and guide discussions about goals of care.

What it addressesExplain▾

Because the effects of cancer differ from person to person, palliative care can address a broad range of needs:

• Physical. Common symptoms that can be addressed include pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and insomnia.
• Emotional and coping. Specialists can provide resources to help with feelings that come with cancer, such as depression, anxiety, and fear.
• Spiritual. People often look more deeply for meaning after a cancer diagnosis. A palliative care expert can help you explore your beliefs and values to find a sense of peace or acceptance that fits your situation.
• Caregiver needs. Family and friends have changing needs too, and many caregivers feel overwhelmed. Specialists can help caregivers cope and get the support they need.
• Practical needs. They can assist with financial and legal worries, insurance questions, and employment concerns, and can help with discussions about goals of care and advance directives.

When it is usedExplain▾

Palliative care may be provided at any point during cancer care, from diagnosis to the end of life. When a person receives palliative care, they may continue to receive cancer treatment.

Palliative care and hospice are not the sameExplain▾

Palliative care can begin at any point during cancer treatment. Hospice care begins when curative treatment is no longer the goal and the sole focus is quality of life.

Palliative care can help patients and their loved ones make the transition to hospice by preparing them for physical changes near the end of life, helping them cope with different thoughts and emotions, and providing support for family members and caregivers.

Getting palliative care and paying for itExplain▾

The oncologist, or someone on the oncology team, is the first person to ask about palliative care. They may refer you to a palliative care specialist based on your physical and emotional needs. Some national organizations keep lists of providers by state.

Private health insurance usually covers palliative care services. Medicare and Medicaid also pay for some kinds of palliative care, though Medicaid coverage varies by state. If you don't have insurance or are unsure about your coverage, a social worker or your hospital's financial counselor can help.

Research supports palliative care. Studies show it can benefit patient and family health and well-being. Some studies have found that adding palliative care soon after a diagnosis of advanced cancer can improve quality of life and mood, and may even help people live longer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that all patients with advanced cancer receive palliative care.