Pain
Assessment of the pattern, site and cause of pain, and review of how well current measures are working, as part of the treating team's plan.
Supportive cancer care
Care directed at comfort, function and tolerating treatment.
Supportive care runs alongside cancer treatment. Its purpose is to reduce symptom burden, protect day-to-day function and help patients complete the treatment their oncologist has planned.
What it involves
What supportive care commonly covers.
Nausea and vomiting
Review of treatment-related nausea, its timing relative to treatment cycles, hydration and oral intake.
Nutrition and appetite
Attention to weight change, appetite, swallowing, oral intake and practical eating difficulties during treatment.
Fatigue
Reviewing contributors such as anaemia, sleep, nutrition, thyroid or metabolic factors, mood, and activity levels.
Bowel and oral symptoms
Constipation, diarrhoea, mucositis and oral discomfort are common during systemic treatment and are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Neuropathy
Numbness, tingling, and changes in grip or balance are recorded and discussed, since they can affect treatment decisions.
Sleep and emotional wellbeing
Sleep disruption, anxiety and low mood are common and are addressed as part of care, not treated as separate from it.
Function and caregiver support
Mobility, self-care, safe activity, and practical guidance for the family members providing day-to-day care.
Supportive care is provided as part of a clinician-led plan. This page does not prescribe medication, grade side effects or advise on stopping or changing prescribed treatment. If symptoms are severe or worsening quickly, contact your treating team or the nearest emergency service.
Related
Related information
Request a supportive cancer care review.
A review looks at current symptoms, current treatment and what practical support would help most.