what is palliative care for cancer

Palliative care is a special approach to caring for anyone with a serious illness, such as cancer, that focuses on improving the quality of life by helping patients and caregivers manage the symptoms of the illness and side effects of treatment. Palliative care is an approach to care that addresses the person as a whole, not just their disease, and it can be given with or without curative care. Palliative care is usually provided by palliative care specialists, health care practitioners who have received special training and/or certification in palliative care. The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, in addition to any related psychological, social, and spiritual problems. Palliative care can be given at any time during the cancer experience, including soon after learning of the diagnosis, provided at the same time as cancer treatment, and continued after treatment is complete. Palliative care looks at how the cancer experience is affecting the whole person by helping to relieve symptoms, pain, and stress. It gives patients options and allows them and their caregivers to take part in planning their care. Palliative care may also be called supportive care, symptom management, or comfort care. It is recommended as a standard part of care given to people with cancer. The aim of palliative care is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain independence by reducing symptoms, managing pain, and supporting patients and their families.