If cancer returns
For some people, a brain or spinal cord tumour does come back or continues growing despite treatment. If the tumour returns, this is known as a recurrence. Your doctor will talk to you about your treatment options. Some people choose to have further treatment; others decide not to have any. Your treatment options will depend on your situation and the treatments you’ve already had.
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Palliative treatment
Palliative treatment helps to improve quality of life by treating the symptoms of cancer without trying to cure the disease. It can be used at any stage of advanced cancer. As well as slowing the spread of cancer, palliative treatment can relieve pain and help other symptoms. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medicines.
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Palliative treatment is one aspect of palliative care, in which a team of health professionals aim to meet your physical, practical, emotional, spiritual and social needs. Palliative care services can be accessed in the home as well as in a hospital or in residential care. To find out more, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or see Palliative care.
Video: Palliative Care Is About Living
Watch this video to find out more about palliative care.
This information was last reviewed in April 2018
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