Palliative and Supportive Oncology

Palliative Care in Cancer

Palliative Care in Cancer

Focus:

• Care to improve quality of life at any stage of cancer, not just end-of-life.[1](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/care-choices/palliative-care-fact-sheet)

Pain Control:

• Starts with NSAIDs or acetaminophen for mild pain.[2](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/palliative-care-methods-for-controlling-pain)
• Opioids like hydrocodone for moderate pain, morphine or fentanyl for severe pain.[2](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/palliative-care-methods-for-controlling-pain)
• Advanced options include patches, injections, IVs, and spinal delivery.[2](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/palliative-care-methods-for-controlling-pain)
• Helper medicines: steroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants.[2](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/palliative-care-methods-for-controlling-pain)

Side-Effect Relief:

• Nausea: small meals, bland foods, hydration, anti-nausea meds.[3](https://www.nfcr.org/blog/managing-treatment-and-common-side-effects/)
• Fatigue: prioritize tasks, short naps, light exercise.[3](https://www.nfcr.org/blog/managing-treatment-and-common-side-effects/)
• Nerve pain (neuropathy): protect extremities, avoid temperature extremes, consider therapy.[3](https://www.nfcr.org/blog/managing-treatment-and-common-side-effects/)
• Mouth ulcers: gentle oral care, soft foods, pain relief.[3](https://www.nfcr.org/blog/managing-treatment-and-common-side-effects/)

Nutritional Guidance:

• High-protein, high-calorie diets to maintain strength.[4](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/nutrition)
• Meal planning before treatment, easy-to-digest snacks.[4](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/nutrition)
• Registered dietitians help tailor nutrition plans.[4](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/nutrition)

Emotional Support:

• Counseling for patients and families to manage anxiety, depression, grief.[5](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/understanding-psychosocial-support-services.html)
• Support groups for shared experiences and coping strategies.[5](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/understanding-psychosocial-support-services.html)
• Individual, couples, and family therapy available.[5](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/understanding-psychosocial-support-services.html)

Rehabilitation:

• Physiotherapy for fatigue, balance, neuropathy, and mobility.[6](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/cancer-rehabilitation)
• Stages include prehabilitation, restorative, supportive, and palliative rehab.[6](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/cancer-rehabilitation)
• Includes physical, occupational, speech therapy, and cognitive rehab.[6](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/cancer-rehabilitation)