Palliative care

The term "palliative care" is often misunderstood because it is associated with end-of-life care.

In reality, palliative care provides help to people living with an incurable illness – such as metastatic breast cancer – so that they can live as fully and comfortably as possible. Palliative care means that you, your family and carers can get practical, emotional, spiritual and physical support.  

Palliative care services can complement your treatment and help you manage your illness, particularly pain and mobility, so you can continue to live life the best you can. The type of support is flexible and can change depending on your needs.

Palliative care services can be helpful at all stages of the breast cancer experience. 

Benefits of palliative care 

Palliative care specialists can identify and help you manage your physical symptoms, such as pain, and can also help with your emotional, spiritual and social concerns. Because palliative care is based on your individual needs, the services offered will differ for each person. 

Palliative care services may include: 

• relief of pain and other symptoms (e.g. vomiting, shortness of breath, etc)  
• provision of equipment needed to help you live as independently as possible at home (e.g. wheelchairs, special beds, shower chairs, etc) 
• assistance for families to come together to talk about sensitive issues (e.g. counselling for your children) 
• links to other services (e.g. home help, financial support, etc) 
• support for people to meet cultural obligations 
• support for emotional, social and spiritual concerns 
• counselling and grief support 
• referrals to respite care services. 

Common misunderstandings 

Many people are frightened when they hear the words "palliative care".  

Some common misunderstandings of palliative care are that:  

• it is only offered to you in your last months or weeks of life  
• you will no longer receive treatment aimed at controlling your cancer and prolonging your life 
• you will no longer see your medical oncologist, breast care nurse or other members of your treating team. 

These are NOT true. When the details and benefits of palliative care are communicated well and understood, many people are much more comfortable with the support it can provide. 

Your care team 

Your GP, breast care nurse and other health professionals can play an important role in providing palliative care, as can your family and informal carers.

If your symptoms become difficult to manage, your usual health care providers may seek advice and support from palliative care specialists.

In some cases, a short in-patient hospital stay may be needed to fine tune pain management, for instance. This can have the additional benefit of giving your family and carers time to recharge, knowing that you will be well cared for. 

Palliative care is provided where you and your family want to receive the care, wherever possible.  

This may include: 

• at home 
• in hospital 
• in a hospice 
• in a residential aged care facility. 

The earlier you access care, the better your quality of life 

Early access to palliative care can ensure that you have all the supports you need to maximise the quality of your life and your mobility for as long as possible.

Palliative care can be used to help prevent and relieve symptoms and side effects related to cancer and its treatment, such as pain, nausea and fatigue. Controlling these symptoms is an important part of treatment. You should never hesitate to tell your health care team about any pain or other symptoms you may experience.

Getting to know your palliative care team soon after the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can help make you feel more comfortable in seeking their support at a later time if you have symptoms that are not being well managed. You might also find it reassuring to hear about the extent of the support available to you.

Not feeling your best and needing to use health services can be distressing and stressful, so having other people who can assume roles and responsibilities and advocate on your behalf – as your palliative care team can do – can be empowering.

Your palliative care team can also help interpret your medical reports and even attend oncology appointments with you.