Does palliative care treat metastatic breast cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer has spread beyond the breast or nearby lymph nodes. Palliative care is an added layer of support that may begin at any point after diagnosis. It can address pain, breathlessness, nausea, tiredness, sleep difficulty, low appetite, worry and changes in family roles. A specialist team may include doctors, nurses, counsellors, pharmacists and other professionals. Their work is coordinated with the oncology team; it does not automatically mean that cancer-directed treatment has stopped.

Ask the oncology team for a palliative care referral if symptoms interfere with eating, sleeping, movement, work or time with family. Bring a list of symptoms, medicines, concerns and the activities you want to preserve. The team can review medicines, suggest practical support at home and help you discuss treatment choices in terms of your goals. Palliative care can also support family members who are helping with care.

Seek urgent medical help for new severe breathlessness, chest pain, sudden confusion, fainting, uncontrolled vomiting, heavy bleeding or pain that becomes unmanageable. New weakness, numbness, difficulty walking or loss of bladder or bowel control can signal pressure on the spinal cord and needs immediate assessment.

Ask which symptoms palliative care can help today, how its team will coordinate with oncology, whom to call outside clinic hours, and which changes should prompt an urgent review.