The physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment may be very different from person to person. Palliative care can address a broad range of issues, integrating an individual’s specific needs into care. A palliative care specialist will take the following issues into account for each patient:
Physical. Common physical symptoms that can be addressed include pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and insomnia.
Emotional and coping. Palliative care specialists can provide resources to help patients and families deal with the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. Depression, anxiety, and fear are only a few of the concerns that can be addressed through palliative care.
Spiritual. With a cancer diagnosis, patients and families often look more deeply for meaning in their lives. Some find the disease brings them closer to their faith or spiritual beliefs, whereas others struggle to understand why cancer happened to them. An expert in palliative care can help people explore their beliefs and values so that they can find a sense of peace or reach a point of acceptance that is appropriate for their situation.
Caregiver needs. Family members and friends are an important part of cancer care. Like the patient, they have changing needs. It’s common for many caregivers to become overwhelmed by the extra responsibilities placed upon them. Many find it hard to care for their loved one who is sick while trying to handle other obligations, such as work, household duties, and taking care of their family. Uncertainty about how to help their loved one with medical situations, inadequate social support, and emotions such as worry and fear can also add to caregiver stress.
These challenges can compromise caregivers’ own health. Palliative care specialists can help families and friends cope and give them the support they need.
Practical needs. Palliative care specialists can also assist with financial and legal worries, insurance questions, and employment concerns. Discussing the goals of care is also an important component of palliative care. Such discussions can also include talking about advance directives and help guiding communication among family members, caregivers, and members of the oncology care team.