What to expect from palliative care for lung cancer

Your assessment may cover breathlessness, cough, chest discomfort, tiredness, appetite, sleep, anxiety and the effect of symptoms on walking or speaking. Clinicians can review inhalers and other medicines, teach breathing and positioning strategies, and coordinate care for oxygen or procedures when appropriate. They can also help you understand treatment choices and communicate your wishes to family members. This support can be given at the same time as cancer-directed treatment.

Note when breathing symptoms appear, what makes them worse, how far you can walk, and whether cough or pain interrupts sleep. Bring all medicines, inhalers and home oxygen information. Tell the team about smoking exposure, work demands, caregiving and fears about breathlessness. Ask for a written action plan, including whom to contact when symptoms change. A family member can learn the plan with you if you choose.

Contact your care team promptly if breathlessness, cough, chest pain or weakness is worsening, or if you cannot take prescribed medicines. Seek emergency help for sudden or severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, new confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is intense or persistent. Sit upright and follow your team’s emergency instructions while help is arranged.

What should I do when breathlessness starts? Which symptoms need emergency help? Could my medicines affect alertness or sleep? How can palliative care coordinate with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other treatment?