The short answer
Palliative care improves quality of life for people with a serious illness like cancer. It treats symptoms and side effects and supports emotional, spiritual, caregiver, and practical needs. It can start at any point and be given along with cancer treatment.
Palliative care improves quality of life and cares for the whole person, not just the disease.
It can be given with or without treatment aimed at the cancer, at any point from diagnosis on.
It addresses physical symptoms plus emotional, spiritual, caregiver, and practical needs.
A team of specialists usually provides it, working alongside your oncology team.
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The full explanation.
What palliative care is
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.
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 emotional, 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, no matter their age or stage of disease.
Many of the same methods used to treat cancer can also 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 pressing on nerves.
What it addresses
Because cancer affects each person differently, palliative care can cover a wide 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 for 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. Many caregivers feel overwhelmed, and specialists can help them cope and get support.
- Practical needs. They can help with financial and legal worries, insurance questions, and employment concerns, and can guide discussions about goals of care and advance directives.
Who provides it
Palliative care is usually provided by palliative care specialists, health professionals who have special training or 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 team to manage your care and support the best possible quality of life. They also support caregivers and help members of the health care team communicate.
When it is used
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 same. Palliative care can begin at any point during treatment. Hospice care begins when curative treatment is no longer the goal and the sole focus is quality of life. Palliative care can also help patients and loved ones make the move to hospice by preparing them for physical changes near the end of life, helping them cope with different emotions, and supporting family and caregivers.
How to get it and who pays
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. For example, Medicare Part B pays for some medical services that address symptom management. Medicaid coverage varies by state. If you do not 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 benefits 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.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What does palliative care include?
Palliative care addresses the whole person. It includes treating physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, and nausea; emotional and coping support; spiritual concerns; caregiver support; and practical needs such as financial, legal, insurance, and employment questions.
▸Who provides palliative care?
It is usually provided by palliative care specialists with special training. They often work as part of a team that may include doctors, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, occupational and physical therapists, chaplains, psychologists, and social workers, alongside your oncology team.
▸Can I get palliative care while still having cancer treatment?
Yes. Palliative care can be given with or without curative care and may be provided at any point from diagnosis to the end of life. When a person receives palliative care, they may continue to receive cancer treatment.
▸How is palliative care different from hospice?
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 also help people move from treatment to hospice.
▸How do I access palliative care?
The oncologist or someone on the oncology team is the first person to ask. 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.
▸Who pays for palliative care?
Private health insurance usually covers palliative care services. Medicare and Medicaid also pay for some kinds; for example, Medicare Part B pays for some services that address symptom management. Medicaid coverage varies by state, and a social worker can help if you are unsure.
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