© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All
rights reserved worldwide. Listen to the Cancer.Net Podcast:
Explaining Palliative Care, adapted from this content. Watch the
Cancer.Net Video: What is Palliative Care? with Robert Miller,
MD, adapted from this content Cancer often causes symptoms, and
the treatments for cancer may cause side effects. An important
part of cancer care is relieving these symptoms and side
effects, an approach called palliative care. Palliative care is
any treatment that focuses on reducing a patient’s symptoms,
improving quality of life, and supporting patients and their
families. People with cancer often receive treatment for the
cancer and treatment to ease symptoms at the same time. It is
best given as soon as possible in the cancer treatment process
and continues through all stages of illness, regardless of
whether completely getting rid of the cancer is possible.
Understanding palliative care Palliative treatments vary widely
and often include medication, nutrit