Palliative care: quality of life at every stage

How it works

The central point this page must make absolutely clear: palliative care is NOT only for the end of life. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, it can begin at the moment of diagnosis and continue throughout treatment, at the same time as chemotherapy, surgery, or any other therapy given with curative intent. Receiving palliative care does not mean "giving up" or that the doctor has stopped treating the cancer: it means also treating the person, not just the disease.

The evidence and international bodies (WHO) agree that integrating it early improves symptom control and quality of life for the patient and family. At the unit, this support is part of comprehensive care from the earliest stages.

Sources: NCI, "Palliative Care in Cancer" (fact sheet): https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/cancer-avanzado/opciones-de-cuidado/hoja-informativa-cuidados-paliativos · WHO, "Palliative care" (key facts): https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/palliative-care

What receiving this treatment at the unit is like

• At the clinic: visits with the team to assess symptoms, adjust medicines (including pain management), and plan the care.
• How often: it varies; it adapts to the needs of each stage, from occasional visits to close follow-up.
• In coordination with cancer treatment: palliative care does not replace or interrupt it; they walk side by side.
• What to bring/prepare: a list of current medicines with doses, a simple symptom log (what bothers you, when, what makes it better or worse), and the family's questions in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Does palliative care mean there is nothing left to do? No. It can be received together with the treatments that aim to control or cure the cancer, starting at diagnosis. Its goal is for the person to be as well as possible at every stage.

Is it the same as end-of-life (hospice) care? No. End-of-life care is only one part of palliative care. Palliative care spans the whole course of the illness, at any stage.

Can cancer pain be controlled? In the great majority of cases, yes, with a proper evaluation and the right medicines. No one has to "put up with" pain. Come in for an evaluation so the team can design your management plan.

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