Cancer and its treatment can cause physical symptoms and side effects. They can also cause emotional, social, and financial effects. Treating these effects is called palliative care or supportive care.
Palliative care is an important part of care that is included along with treatments to slow, stop, or cure the cancer. Research shows that palliative care can improve the quality of your life and help you feel more satisfied with the treatment you receive. You may start palliative care soon after learning you have cancer and continue to receive this type of care through treatment and recovery. For example, cancer survivors who have ongoing or new symptoms or side effects after treatment is completed also may receive palliative care.
An important part of palliative care is talking about your diagnosis, treatment, and needs. These conversations help everyone understand what you want and expect from your treatments and overall care. Palliative care works best when you, your family, and your health care team work together.