Does palliative care treat pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer may affect digestion, appetite, weight, energy and comfort. Palliative care looks at these effects as well as pain, nausea, sleep, mood and family concerns. The team may work with oncology, surgery, dietetics and pain services. This support can be offered while treatment is intended to control the cancer; it does not mean that cancer treatment has ended. Plans are adjusted as symptoms and priorities change.

Tell your team about pain, jaundice, vomiting, changes in bowel movements, reduced appetite or difficulty taking medicines. Ask whether palliative care can review symptom medicines, digestion support, nutrition, sleep and emotional wellbeing. Bring a record of food intake, symptoms and medicines to appointments. Explain the activities you hope to continue, because that helps the team tailor its advice.

Seek urgent assessment for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, new confusion, fainting, heavy bleeding or severe breathing difficulty. Yellowing of the skin with fever or marked weakness also needs prompt medical advice.

Ask how symptoms will be managed between visits, whether nutrition or digestion support is needed, how the teams will coordinate, and which changes require immediate contact.