Symptom burden
Structured review of the symptoms that are affecting daily life most — pain, breathlessness, nausea, appetite, bowel symptoms, fatigue and sleep.
Palliative & symptom support
Symptom-focused care that can run alongside cancer treatment.
Palliative care is not limited to hospice or end-of-life care. It can be provided alongside active cancer treatment to help manage symptoms, support function and quality of life, and address patient and caregiver needs.
What it involves
What this service focuses on.
Comfort
Practical measures to reduce discomfort, discussed with the treating team so they fit the current treatment plan.
Function
Attention to mobility, self-care and the activities that matter to the individual patient.
Quality of life
Care planned around what the patient wants their days to look like, alongside the clinical picture.
Complex symptom management
Situations where several symptoms interact, or where symptoms have not settled with the usual measures, benefit from dedicated review.
Caregiver support
Family members providing daily care need clear guidance on what to watch for and who to contact.
Care coordination
Coordination between the oncology team, day care, home care and supportive services so plans do not conflict.
Alongside active treatment
A referral for palliative care does not itself mean anticancer treatment is being stopped. Symptom support is frequently provided while treatment continues, and treatment decisions remain with the treating oncology team.
This page does not estimate prognosis, assess hospice eligibility, or suggest that any treatment should be withdrawn. Symptom support is planned by clinicians after assessment. If symptoms are severe or change quickly, contact your treating team or the nearest emergency service.
Related
Related information
Request a palliative and symptom support review.
A review starts from current symptoms, current treatment and what matters most to the patient and family.