This is treatment that helps to improve people’s quality of life by managing the symptoms of cancer without trying to cure the disease.
Many people think that palliative treatment is for people at the end of their life, but it may help at any stage of advanced cancer. It is about living for as long as possible in the most satisfying way you can. As well as slowing the spread of the cancer, palliative treatment can relieve pain and help manage other symptoms. Treatment options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medicines.
Palliative treatment is one aspect of palliative care, in which a team of health professionals aims to meet your physical, practical, emotional, spiritual and social needs. The team also supports families and carers.
Learn more about living with advanced cancer and palliative care.
→ READ MORE: Managing side effects
Video: What is palliative care?
Watch this video on how palliative treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve people’s quality of life without trying to cure the disease.
Podcast: Treatment Options for Advanced Cancer
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by advanced cancer
More resources
A/Prof Peter Grimison, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; Marc Diocera, Genitourinary Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Peter Heathcote, Urologist, Brisbane Urology Clinic, QLD; Dr Michael Huo, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; A/Prof Joseph McKendrick, Medical Oncologist, Epworth Eastern Hospital, VIC; Dr Tonia Mezzini, Sexual Health Physician, East Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SA; Dominic Oen, Clinical Psychologist, Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW; Dr Benjamin Thomas, Urological Surgeon, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, VIC; Paul Zawa, Consumer.
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