How palliative care can help
The options described here are generally considered palliative treatment because their main aim is to improve quality of life by reducing symptoms. Palliative treatment is one aspect of palliative care, in which a team of health professionals aim to meet your physical, practical, emotional, spiritual and social needs. The palliative care team also provides support to families and carers.
Contacting the palliative care team soon after diagnosis gives them the opportunity to get to know you, your family and your circumstances. Although other professionals will be responsible for your treatment in the earlier part of your diagnosis, the palliative care team can become involved when needed.
Ask the doctor in charge of your medical care about making an appointment with the palliative care team. To find out more about palliative care and advanced cancer, call Cancer Council 13 11 20. You can ask for free copies of the booklets Understanding Palliative Care and Living with Advanced Cancer, download digital copies from this page, or visit Advanced cancer.
This information was last reviewed in May 2017
View who reviewed this content
Dr Steven Kao, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Theodora Ahilas, Principal, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, NSW; Prof David Ball, Director, Lung Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Cely Benchoam, Consumer; Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic Physician, University of Queensland Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, QLD; Victoria Keena, Executive Officer, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Angela Kyttaridis, Social Worker, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Dr Judith Lacey, Head of Supportive Care and Integrative Medicine, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Amanda Maple, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; A/Prof Brian McCaughan, Thoracic Surgeon, Sydney Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Strathfield Private Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Kirsten Mooney, Thoracic Cancer Nurse Coordinator, WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, Department of Health, WA; Prof David Morris, University of New South Wales, Department of Surgery, St George Public Hospital, NSW; Rod Smith, Awareness and Support Co-ordinator, Bernie Banton Foundation. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous Cancer Council resources. The 2015 edition of this booklet was funded by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities and based on a draft written by Dr Andrew Penman with contributions from Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI). The 2011 Cancer Council Victoria booklet Mesothelioma provided background for this booklet. It was funded in part by a donation from Lyall Watts and written with contributions from consumers and support groups.
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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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Advanced cancer
Advanced cancer is when cancer has spread from its original site or has come back. Learn more.
Palliative care
Palliative care (sometimes called supportive care) addresses the needs of people with a life-limiting illness in a holistic way.
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What you can reasonably expect from your health care professionals.
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