As a result of advances in treatment and increased participation in screening, breast cancer death rates are declining in Canada. However, in some cases the breast cancer cannot be treated and is incurable.
Palliative care refers to health care that is provided when it is unlikely that a person’s disease can be cured. In palliative care, treatment of breast cancer is no longer the main objective. Instead, the goal is to provide comfort and dignity for the patient and to maximize the quality of life for them, their family and loved ones as the patient moves toward the end of their life.
Palliative care includes the following:
Reducing the symptoms of breast cancer.
Managing pain.
Addressing emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.
Enjoying and enhancing relationships with friends and family.
Supporting the patient in living as actively and fully as possible.
Supporting caregivers.
Preparing for the end of life.
Palliative care may be offered at home, in a hospital or in a hospice, which is a facility designed to handle the needs of people who are in the advanced stages of a life-threatening illness, often at the end of life.
The end of life can be very difficult to talk about. Some people wait until their cancer is at an advanced stage, while others prefer to have discussions when they are still relatively healthy. Each person can decide on the best time for them to discuss end-of-life issues with their loved ones and health care team.
When people are in palliative care and approaching the end of life, they often stop and refocus on what is really important in their lives. It can be a time for meaningful reflection and for making the most of time with the people around them.
More Information
Breast cancer support services