Palliative & Supportive Care for Colorectal Cancer Patients

Palliative care, often referred to as supportive care, is a special approach to caring for people with serious illnesses such as cancer. It is often provided by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other professionals specialized in this field. It is designed to work with the health-care team to help people with a serious illness live as well as they can, for as long as they can. Palliative care does not treat the cancer itself but can be provided at any point in the cancer trajectory.

The Palliative / Supportive Care Team

The palliative or supportive care teams work together to improve quality of life for patients and their families in a number of ways. In addition to pain and symptom management, this care team can help with difficult medical decisions and stress management. It can also provide extra support during challenging times.

It gives patients options and allows them and their loved ones to participate in planning their care. One of their key objectives is to ensure that all their care needs are addressed. Specialized professionals on the palliative care or support team can help identify and manage the psychological, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual concerns that may be present.

The Palliative Supportive Care Team

The Palliative / Supportive Care Team

The Palliative Supportive Care Team

The palliative or supportive care teams work together to improve quality of life for patients and their families in a number of ways. In addition to pain and symptom management, this care team can help with difficult medical decisions and stress management. It can also provide extra support during challenging times.

It gives patients options and allows them and their loved ones to participate in planning their care. One of their key objectives is to ensure that all their care needs are addressed. Specialized professionals on the palliative care or support team can help identify and manage the psychological, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual concerns that may be present.

The palliative care team can help to:

  • control physical symptoms and side effects
  • manage the emotions associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment
  • offering the family ways of coping with life and family changes
  • Understand spiritual concerns
  • Meeting the needs of family caregivers
  • Helping to address financial, professional and insurance concerns
  • Helping to complete advance directives and other documents
  • Assist with the transition to end-of-life care, if necessary.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of palliative care on the well-being of patients and their families or caregivers. In addition, research has shown that people with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, experience fewer significant symptoms when they receive palliative care. They have a better quality of life, less pain, fewer breathing problems, less depression, and less nausea. They have also been shown to enjoy better emotional health. This may be because their medical care tends to be more in line with their values, goals, and preferences, including those of their families. Some studies have also suggested that starting palliative care within a short time following a cancer diagnosis can also have an impact on survival.

Discuss you needs and questions with your oncology care team and nurse navigator. They will assist you with your request and provide additional information regarding the services available in your area.

Other things to consider:

Caring for someone with advanced cancer

You may be reading this because you are caring for someone with advanced cancer. What that means to you will depend on your situation. Being a caregiver can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging and stressful. Caregivers go through cancer with the patient. If you’re a caregiver, you may feel tired and worried as you cope with your loved one’s cancer.

As a family member or caregiver, where can you find support?

  • Discuss the availability of an oncology social worker or psychologist with your loved one’s care team

  • Join a caregiver support group

  • Request help from others

  • Schedule and plan moments of respite and self-care

  • Maintain balance with visitors

  • Talk to your spiritual leader or clergy

  • Reach out to Colorectal Cancer Canada’s support services