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Palliative Care for Advanced Cancers


When cancer reaches an advanced stage, the focus of treatment may shift from curative care to palliative care. At MGM Cancer Institute, we understand that an advanced cancer diagnosis brings emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. Palliative care is designed to improve the quality of life for patients by managing symptoms, offering emotional support, and helping them maintain comfort throughout their journey.

In this blog, we’ll explore what palliative care for advanced cancers involves, its benefits, and how it supports both patients and their families during this critical time.

 

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and pain associated with serious illness, including advanced cancers. Unlike treatments aimed at curing cancer, palliative care seeks to ease discomfort, address emotional and psychological needs, and improve the overall quality of life for patients. It can be provided alongside curative treatments or as the primary care approach in advanced stages of cancer.

Palliative care is patient-centered, meaning it is tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences, and can address various aspects of the disease process, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

 

How Palliative Care Supports Patients with Advanced Cancer

Pain and Symptom Management

Cancer, especially in its advanced stages, can lead to severe pain and a wide range of symptoms. Palliative care teams focus on managing these symptoms through a combination of treatments, including:

  • Pain relief: Medications (such as opioids or non-opioid pain relievers) and alternative therapies.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Medications to reduce nausea caused by cancer or cancer treatments.
  • Breathing difficulties: Techniques and medications to ease shortness of breath.
  • Fatigue: Recommendations for rest and strategies to conserve energy.
  • Loss of appetite: Nutritional support and appetite stimulants to help maintain strength.

The goal is to help the patient feel more comfortable and enable them to engage in daily activities as much as possible.

Emotional and Psychological Support

A cancer diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions such as anxiety, depression, and fear. Palliative care teams offer emotional and psychological support through:

  • Counseling and therapy: Sessions with mental health professionals to help patients process their feelings.
  • Spiritual care: Providing spiritual guidance to patients who seek it, helping them find meaning and peace.
  • Family support: Offering counseling for families coping with the challenges of caring for a loved one with advanced cancer.

Having a dedicated support system helps patients and families navigate the emotional challenges of advanced cancer.

Enhanced Communication

Effective communication is vital when managing advanced cancer. The palliative care team acts as a bridge between the patient, their family, and their oncologists to ensure everyone is aligned in treatment goals. This can include:

  • Clarifying treatment options: Explaining the benefits and risks of treatments and procedures.
  • Setting goals for care: Understanding the patient’s wishes and making decisions that align with their values, such as whether they wish to continue aggressive treatments or focus on comfort.
  • Advance care planning: Discussing and preparing for future care decisions, including end-of-life wishes, living wills, and power of attorney.

These conversations help ensure that the patient’s preferences are respected throughout their care.

Support for Caregivers

Caring for someone with advanced cancer can be physically and emotionally draining for family members and loved ones. Palliative care offers:

  • Respite care: Temporary relief for caregivers to help them recharge and maintain their own well-being.
  • Education: Guidance on how to manage symptoms at home, administer medications, and provide the best support for their loved one.
  • 24/7 access to care: Offering resources for emergencies or concerns that may arise outside of regular doctor’s office hours.

Palliative care is about providing support to everyone involved in the patient’s care, ensuring that caregivers are not overwhelmed.

 

Benefits of Palliative Care for Advanced Cancer Patients

  • Improved Quality of Life: By addressing pain, nausea, and emotional distress, palliative care enhances the overall well-being of patients, making them feel more comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones.
  • Personalized Care: Palliative care teams work closely with patients and families to create individualized care plans that match their unique needs and values.
  • Better Symptom Control: With specialized expertise, palliative care teams use the latest techniques and medications to manage symptoms effectively, ensuring patients experience less discomfort.
  • Holistic Support: Beyond physical symptom relief, palliative care addresses emotional, social, and spiritual needs, providing comprehensive support to patients and their families.
  • Coordinated Care: Palliative care teams work alongside other medical professionals to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment for their symptoms while aligning with their goals for care.

 

When to Start Palliative Care

Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care; it can begin at any stage of cancer, even while patients are undergoing curative treatments. The earlier palliative care is introduced, the better it can improve comfort and quality of life. Many patients find that having palliative care from the beginning helps them feel more in control of their situation and allows for more effective management of symptoms throughout their cancer journey.

 

Palliative Care at MGM Cancer Institute

At MGM Cancer Institute, our palliative care team is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive support for patients with advanced cancers. We focus on enhancing the quality of life for each patient, helping them manage symptoms and navigate the emotional and practical challenges of living with advanced illness.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

  • Oncologists
  • Palliative care specialists
  • Pain management experts
  • Psychologists and counselors
  • Social workers
  • Chaplains and spiritual care advisors

We believe that every patient deserves the opportunity to live their life as fully and comfortably as possible, no matter the stage of their illness.

 

Contact MGM Cancer Institute

If you or a loved one is facing advanced cancer and could benefit from palliative care, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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