When treatment seems too much

It can seem worthwhile dealing with treatment side effects for a primary cancer. But when a cure is unlikely, you may not want to have treatments that leave you feeling exhausted or sick, even if they may help you to live longer.

• Before you start or stop treatment, think about the benefits and drawbacks. Decisions rarely have to be made immediately.
• Ask yourself if you are feeling unwell from the side effects of the treatment, from the advancing disease or from the emotions of the diagnosis. Some or all of these may be able to be treated.
• Check with your health care team whether teatment can be adjusted.
• Speak to professionals, such as a counsellor or social worker, who can help you decide what is important to you.

Refusal of medical treatment

You have the right to consent to, stop or refuse any treatment offered. If you stop or refuse treatment, your medical team must be confident that you understand the treatment proposed and the consequences of not having it. You can stop or refuse each treatment separately – you do not have to accept treatment on an all-or-nothing basis.

In all states and territories, you can complete an advance care directive, which your treating doctors must follow. You can appoint a substitute decision-maker to make treatment decisions if you are no longer able to do so.

Podcast: Treatment Options for Advanced Cancer

Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by advanced cancer