As you approach the final days or hours of life, various symptoms can occur as the body’s systems start shutting down. These may affect breathing, bladder and bowel function, and behaviour. Such symptoms can be managed to help you feel more comfortable.
It is natural to feel concerned about others witnessing some of these physical changes. However, the changes are a normal part of the dying process. Your medical team understand this and can help explain what is happening to your family and friends.
Some people find it reassuring to know more about what might happen in the last stages, when they may no longer be fully conscious, but others find it distressing. If you would like to know more, the process is described in Providing physical support.
This information was last reviewed in January 2017
View who reviewed this content
Kerrie Noonan, Clinical Psychologist, Palliative Care, Liverpool Hospital, and Director, The GroundSwell Project, NSW; Gabrielle Asprey, Facilitator, Telephone and Internet Support Groups, Cancer Council NSW; Ann Branford, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Kathryn Dwan, Senior Policy Officer, Palliative Care Australia; Dr Michelle Gold, Director of Palliative Care, Alfred Health, VIC; John Haberecht, Director of Learning and Development, Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education, QLD; Marjorie Hunter, Consumer; Philippa Kirkpatrick, National Policy Manager, Palliative Care Australia; Cecilia van Raders, PalAssist Coordinator, Cancer Council Queensland.
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The cancer information on this website is based on the Understanding Cancer series booklets published by Cancer Council. This information is reviewed and updated every two years or as new information comes to hand. Cancer Council works with cancer doctors, specialist nurses or other relevant health professionals to ensure the medical information is reliable and up to date. Consumers also check the booklets to ensure they meet the needs of people with cancer. Before commencing any health treatment, always consult your doctor. This information is intended as a general introduction and should not be seen as a substitute for your own doctor’s or health professional’s advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information contained is accurate at the time of publication.
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