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Palliative Care for Cancer Patients

According to 2008 cancer statistics from the American Cancer Society, about 565,650 people die in the United States from cancer every year. Patients in advanced stages of cancer, i.e., those for whom finding a cure may no longer be an option, still need care. Palliative care offers pain and symptom management, psychological and spiritual counseling and any other support that a patient and his family may need during the difficult time.

  1. The Goal

    • The overall goal of palliative care, according to the World Health Organization, is to improve the quality of life (QOL) for patients and the families of those patients. In doing so, it affirms death as a normal part of life and it aims to neither speed up nor prolong the dying process. In addition to caring for patients in late stages of cancer, it may also be used early in the course of a person's illness in conjunction with other treatments that aim to prolong life (such as chemotherapy and radiation treatment,) and it may be extended to help the family cope after their loved one has passed away.

    Practical Concerns

    • Cancer patients and/or their families will need to develop a therapeutic treatment course. Special problems and possible treatment options are discussed and ultimately an agreement is made. Another practical issue in regards to a dying cancer patient is where the patient will live out the rest of her life. Palliative care can be offered at home, in the hospital or in a hospice care facility. Where the patient ends up going depends upon conditions such as available finances and home resources.

    Basic Care

    • A major aspect of palliative care for a dying cancer patient includes basic life assistance. A nurse will be around to treat bedsores, clean any bodily secretions, and, if possible, escort the patient to and from places such as the bathroom. The nurse may also be responsible for giving the patient fluids and food.

    Medical Treatment

    • Medical treatment in palliative care is focused upon making the cancer patient feel as comfortable as is possible. Pain management and care for fatigue, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath are often a large part of palliative care for cancer patients. The medical team assigned to a patient's case will closely monitor current treatments to ensure that no unnecessary medication is being given and to respect the patient's wishes. For example, if a patient does not want to be kept alive by artificial means (such as a ventilator) the overseeing medical team will keep that in mind.

    Psychological and Spiritual Treatment

    • If a cancer patient is reaching the end of his life, psychological or spiritual distress may set in. Types of psychotherapy offered may include relaxation training, coping training and imagery and distraction methods. Additionally, antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications may be offered. Spiritual counseling (talking to a minister, for example) may also be a comfort for a dying cancer patient. Psychological and spiritual treatment also extends to family bereavement.

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