Which specialist performs palliative care?

Palliative care focuses on comfort, function, and quality of life alongside treatment for cancer or another serious illness. A palliative medicine doctor may assess pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, sleep, appetite, mood, and practical concerns. Nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, dietitians, and spiritual care professionals can contribute according to your needs.

This support can begin at diagnosis and continue during active treatment, recovery, or advanced illness. It is separate from hospice decisions and does not automatically mean that cancer treatment is stopping. The palliative team works with your existing doctors, helps explain choices, and supports family or caregivers when appropriate.

Ask your oncologist, family doctor, or hospital nurse for a referral to palliative medicine, or ask whether the service accepts direct requests. Before the appointment, note when symptoms occur, what makes them better or worse, medicines you take, and the activities you want to protect. Share concerns about sleep, work, eating, caregiving, emotional strain, and personal goals. Ask how to reach the team between visits and whether home or outpatient support is available.

Palliative care can help with ongoing symptoms, but sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, new confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, a seizure, fainting, or rapidly worsening pain requires urgent medical assessment. Use emergency services for an immediate threat to life, and tell the palliative team about changes that are serious but not immediately dangerous. Do not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are escalating.

Ask: Which symptoms can you help manage? How will you coordinate with my oncologist? Can medicines be adjusted at home? Who should my family call after hours? Can you help with advance care planning, emotional support, or practical problems? What changes should trigger urgent review?