In this section we talk about the physical changes that you may experience near the end of life.
Learn more about:
- Symptoms at the end of life
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling sick
- Shortness of breath
- Other symptoms
Near the end of life, the focus of medical care is usually on maintaining your quality of life, and controlling pain and other symptoms. We describe the common symptoms experienced towards the end of life and how they can be managed.
Symptoms at the end of life
As cancer progresses, it can cause various symptoms. These symptoms may not occur in everyone, and some may not occur until near the end. People who are dying, and their families and carers, often worry about how these symptoms will be managed. The health professionals in your palliative care team will provide you with the highest possible level of comfort and care during your last days.
→ READ MORE: Tiredness and fatigue
Podcast: Living with Dying
Listen to more episodes of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Prof Jane Phillips, Head, School of Nursing and Professor, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology and Emerita Professor Palliative Nursing, University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Prof Meera Agar, Palliative Care Physician, Professor of Palliative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, IMPACCT, Sydney, NSW; Sandra Anderson, Consumer; A/Prof Megan Best, The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Sydney, NSW; Prof Lauren Breen, Psychologist and Discipline Lead, Psychology, Curtin University, WA; David Dawes, Manager, Spiritual Care Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rob Ferguson, Consumer; Gabrielle Gawne-Kelnar, Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Social Worker, One Life Counselling & Psychotherapy, NSW; Justine Hatton, Senior Social Worker, Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Caitlin MacDonagh, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Palliative Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW; McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer; Palliative Care Australia; Belinda Reinhold, Acting Lead Palliative Care, Cancer Council QLD; Xanthe Sansome, National Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia; Kirsty Trebilcock, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Caring for someone with cancer
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Cancer Council Online Community
A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
Cancer information
Advanced cancer
Information for all stages of advanced cancer, from the initial diagnosis to palliative care and grief
Managing cancer side effects
Strategies for coping with some of the physical issues that can occur with cancer