Palliative Care programs for Breast Cancer

Introduction: The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients (and their families) facing a serious illness like breast cancer. It can begin as early as initial diagnosis and continue through to end-of-life care and bereavement.Content: Palliative care is a special type of health care for people with a serious illness. Its goal is toimprove the quality of life of both patients and their families. Palliative care encompasses a wide range of therapies and services. It can be used across the full spectrum of breast cancer care, from initial diagnosis and treatment to end-of-life care and bereavement. Many breast cancer patients may not be aware or understand palliative care, but it should be provided throughout the spectrum of care. In early breast cancer, palliative care can be used to help prevent and relieve symptoms and side effects related to cancer and its treatment such as pain, nausea and fatigue. Palliative care plays a bigger role for those with metastatic breast cancer than for those with early breast cancer. As with early breast cancer, a main focus of palliative care in metastatic breast cancer care is the management and prevention of symptoms and side effects related tothe cancer and/or its treatment. Palliative care works best when it is integrated early in metastatic cancer care, no matter the prognosis. End-of-life care is a key part of palliative care that focuses on meeting the needs of patients and their families toward the end of life. Hospice is a specific part of end-of-life care that works to preserve quality of life and allow a person to die as comfortably and with as much dignity as possible. Hospice care can begin when a person has a prognosis of six months or less to live. Some programs only enroll people who have stopped active breast cancer treatment.Conclusion: Palliative care, at its core, is really focused on maximizing overall physical and emotional health that can benefit all patients. It’s never too early to make this an important component of care

کلیدواژه ها:

Palliative Care ، Palliative Care programs ، Breast Cancer