Palliative care has experienced a rebirth: it is now a life-focused approach to cancer care that’s changing both how doctors and patients deal with the disease. Historically, palliative care was associated with relieving pain and discomfort for the dying. Today, palliative care is considered an integral part of cancer care, mainly because people are living longer, more productive lives with cancer as a chronic illness.
Palliative comes from the word “palliate,” which means to make comfortable by treating and relieving the symptoms of an illness. For both cancer patients and families, palliative care is often a key to maintaining the highest possible quality of life.
When you are facing a serious illness like oral cancer, you need relief. Relief from pain. Relief from other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. Relief from stress. You need to better understand your condition and choices for care. You need to improve your ability to tolerate medical treatments. And, you and your family need to be able to carry on everyday life.
In short, you want to feel better, feel supported and have more control over your care. This is what palliative care can do