Understanding Palliative Care: It’s Not Just End-of-Life Support

Palliative care is often misunderstood. Many people associate it only with end-of-life care, but in reality, palliative care can play an important role at any stage of cancer treatment. Its focus is simple yet powerful: improving comfort, easing symptoms, and supporting quality of life — alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms, side effects, and stress related to cancer and its treatment. It addresses physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath, while also supporting emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be integrated early in a treatment plan and provided at the same time as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or clinical trials.

At Hope & Healing Cancer Services, care is centered around the whole person. Palliative principles are woven into treatment planning to help ensure you feel supported — not just medically, but emotionally and physically as well.

Common Myths About Palliative Care

Understanding what palliative care is — and isn’t — can help you make informed decisions about your care.

• Myth: Palliative care means stopping treatment
  Fact: It works alongside active treatment to help manage side effects and improve comfort.

• Myth: It’s only for advanced cancer
  Fact: Palliative care can be helpful at any stage, including early in treatment.

• Myth: It replaces your oncology team
  Fact: Palliative care teams collaborate closely with your oncologist and other providers.

How Palliative Care Supports Quality of Life

Palliative care focuses on what matters most to you. Support may include:

• Pain and symptom management

• Help coping with treatment side effects

• Emotional and mental health support

• Assistance with decision-making and care planning

• Coordination of care between specialists

Complementary services, such as mindfulness, massage, acupuncture, or gentle movement — offered through Hope & Healing Cancer Services’ integrative care program — often align closely with palliative goals by helping reduce stress and improve day-to-day comfort.

When to Ask About Palliative Care

You don’t have to wait for symptoms to become severe. Palliative care may be helpful if you:

• Are experiencing ongoing pain, fatigue, or nausea

• Feel overwhelmed by treatment or side effects

• Want additional emotional or psychological support

• Need help understanding treatment options and goals

Early involvement can lead to better symptom control, improved communication, and a stronger sense of support throughout your care journey.

Palliative care is about living as well as possible — at every stage of cancer care. When comfort, clarity, and quality of life are prioritized, you’re better supported to focus on what matters most to you.

Written By: Carolyn Vandenbroek, MSDM

Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD

Disclaimer: This blog provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider and mental health professionals for guidance specific to your situation.