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
- Breathlessness
- 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. You may find this information reassuring but it can also be confronting, so consider if this is the right time to read about end-of-life symptoms.
Symptoms at the end of life
As cancer progresses, it can cause various symptoms – but not everyone will experience them, or they may only happen near the end. People who are dying, and their families and carers, often worry about how these symptoms will be managed. Your healthcare team will keep you as comfortable as possible during your last days. If you experience symptoms, let them know so they can help.
→ READ MORE: Tiredness and fatigue
Podcast: Living with Dying
Listen to more episodes of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Fiona Wiseman, Senior Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Grace Berwald, Consumer; Peta Brydon, Metastatic McGrath Breast Care Clinical Nurse Consultant, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, NSW; Kate Bunyan, Social Worker, Psychosocial Lead, Cancer and Palliative Supportive Care, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, ACT; Hayden Christie, Medical Oncologist and Clinical Director Cancer Care Service and Clinical Lead of the VAD Service for Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, QLD; John Clements, Consumer; Claire Davies, Spiritual Care Practitioner, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Joanne Dean, Nurse Practitioner, PEACE Team, Clare Holland House, ACT; A/Prof Michael Franco, Medical Oncologist and Palliative Medicine Physician, Deputy Head – Monash Medical School, Monash University, VIC; Dr Sally Greenaway, WSLHD Director of Supportive and Palliative Care, Senior Staff Specialist Clinical Haematology and Clinical Ethics Service, NSW; Maree Grier, Clinical Psychologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Dr Catherine Joyce, National Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia; Mattesse Kitchin, Consumer; Penny Neller, Project Manager, End of Life Law for Clinicians, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Palliative Care Australia; A/Prof Joel Rhee, Head of Discipline of General Practice, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW.
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