Many people with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) receive palliative treatment. This is treatment that aims to slow the spread of cancer and manage symptoms without trying to cure the disease.
It can be used at any stage of advanced cancer to improve quality of life and does not mean giving up hope. Rather, it is about living for as long as possible in the most satisfying way you can. Some people receive palliative treatment as well as active treatment of the cancer.
Treatment as part of palliative care
Palliative treatment is one aspect of palliative care, in which a team of health professionals aims to meet your physical, emotional, cultural, social and spiritual needs. The team also provides support to families and carers.
Specialist palliative care services see people with complex needs and can also advise other health professionals. Contacting a specialist palliative care service soon after diagnosis gives them the chance to get to know you. You can ask your doctor for a referral.
For more on this, see Palliative care and Living with advanced cancer.
Watch short video on how palliative treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve people’s quality of life without trying to cure the disease.
More resources
Prof Linda Mileshkin, Medical Oncologist, Clinical Researcher, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Christine Bradfield, Consumer; Cindy Bryant, Consumer; Dr Maria Cigolini, Head, Department of Palliative Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Clinical Lecturer, The University of Sydney, NSW; Mary Duffy, Advanced Practice Nurse and Nurse Coordinator, Lung Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Andrew Oar, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dr Siobhan O’Neill, Medical Oncologist, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, NSW; Prof Penelope Schofield, Department of Psychological Sciences and the Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, and Head, Behavioural Science in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Frank Stoss, Consumer.
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