Get our free two-page fact sheet about palliative care
Two-page information sheet about palliative care, which can help you maintain a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Also available in Spanish.
Palliative, or supportive, care refers to specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is provided by a team of specialists, including palliative care doctors, nurses, and social workers who work with a patient's care team to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about palliative care
Many blood cancer patients have questions about palliative care and the difference between palliative, or supportive, care and hospice care. Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), answers to these questions, and how to contact an Blood Cancer United Information Specialist if you need more information. Open each section below to learn more.
Palliative care helps you gain the strength to carry on with daily life, improves your ability to tolerate medical treatments, and gives you more control by improving your understanding of your choices for treatment. The palliative care team manages your symptoms. They also provide in-depth communication that helps you and your family match your treatment options with your goals. This level of communication also improves overall care coordination.
Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness, regardless of prognosis. It is best delivered early and can be given along with curative treatment. Hospice care, on the other hand, provides palliative care for people who have six months or less to live. You must no longer be receiving curative treatment in order to receive hospice care.
Yes, absolutely. And you should have it early in your illness to get the most benefit.
If you are suffering from pain or other symptoms caused by either your disease or the side effects of treatment, ask your doctor for a palliative care referral. Symptoms of blood cancers may include pain, fatigue or low energy, cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal, bleeding from minor wounds, frequent nose bleeds, fevers or night sweats, frequent infections that are hard to fight, unexplained weight loss, achy bones and joints, depression, and anxiety, among others.
Palliative care can be provided in a hospital or outpatient clinic and sometimes at home. If you need palliative care, your doctor should be able to locate a team near you.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care. If costs concern you, a social worker or financial consultant from the palliative care team can help you.
Your doctor may suggest palliative care, but you should not wait for your doctor to bring it up. Most people ask their doctor for a referral to palliative care. Palliative care teams are specialists, so your primary doctor must bring in the team.
Tell your doctor you are considering palliative care to help you and your family manage your symptoms and stress—for an extra layer of support. Ask what palliative services are available in your area.
Source: Information on this page was provided by getpalliativecare.org.
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