For some, cancer is not curable.
This is generally the case when cancer is too far advanced to reasonably have a treatment goal of getting rid of every cancer cell. For most cancers, this is usually classified as Stage IV.
But even in these cases, there is still a very important goal– to preserve quality of life as long as possible.
Depending on the situation, this could be a long period of time.
With the greater successes we are seeing in cancer treatment, we are now living in an age where more and more people are living with cancer.
There are many diseases and conditions out there, which are considered “incurable”– and yet, millions of people live successfully, and do not let their illness define who they are.
For instance, millions of people have high blood pressure. Or diabetes. And while diabetes is not curable, those who suffer from diabetes are also able to maintain active lifestyles with good control of their disease.
And similarly, more and more people are living longer with metastatic cancer.
In order to achieve good control over cancer, treatments can be considered, depending on the situation. This includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or even surgery.
So what is palliative care? Palliative care is any treatment that is done with the goal of preserving quality of life, or hopefully reducing any current problems caused by the cancer.
It is always worth it to get an opinion from a Medical Oncologist or Radiation Oncologist to see if any palliative care can be done, especially if there are some symptoms of cancer. Examples include bony pain from cancer in the bones, or breathing problems from cancer in the lungs.
Sometimes, however, the question should be raised, about whether or not any treatment is appropriate.
If treatment would do more harm than good to someone’s quality of life, then sometimes, the appropriate decision may be to withold treatment.
These questions are very difficult, and there are many factors to consider. The “right” answer may not be easy to see.
Thorough discussions with the physicians, family members, and cancer patient involved are the most important steps in making the best possible decision in the best interest of the patient.