Does palliative care treat metastatic cancer?

Metastatic cancer means cancer has spread from its original site to another part of the body. Palliative care focuses on how you feel and function, regardless of whether you are receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, radiotherapy or another cancer treatment. The team can help with pain, nausea, fatigue, appetite changes, sleep, anxiety and difficult decisions. It works with your cancer specialists and is different from hospice or end-of-life care, although support can continue as needs change.

Tell your cancer team about symptoms that limit meals, movement, rest or relationships. A palliative care assessment can identify the causes of distress and create a plan for medicines, activity, nutrition, emotional support and communication. Write down what matters most to you, such as staying at home or attending an important event, so recommendations can reflect your priorities. Include a trusted person in discussions if you wish.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, a seizure, sudden confusion, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding or rapidly worsening pain. New weakness, numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control also requires immediate assessment, particularly when cancer may affect the spine or brain.

Ask what support is available now, how symptoms will be monitored, which service to contact overnight, and how palliative care will communicate with your oncology team.