Palliative care, often misunderstood as end-of-life care, is an essential component of cancer treatment that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families. Dr. Rajib Bhattachrjee, a top oncologist in Kolkata, offers valuable insights into the role of palliative care in the last stage of cancer treatment.
What is Palliative Care? Palliative care is specialized medical care that provides relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, such as cancer. It is provided by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors, who work together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
Goals of Palliative Care
- Symptom Management: Palliative care focuses on alleviating pain, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment, improving the patient’s comfort and well-being.
- Psychosocial Support: It offers emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Communication and Decision-Making: Palliative care facilitates open and honest communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, assisting in decision-making regarding treatment options, goals of care, and end-of-life preferences.
- Coordination of Care: It ensures seamless coordination of medical care, providing continuity and support across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care services.
When is Palliative Care Initiated? Palliative care can be initiated at any stage of cancer treatment, from the time of diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care. In the last stage of cancer treatment, palliative care focuses on maximizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients nearing the end of life, providing compassionate support for them and their families.Seeking Expert Support As a top oncologist in Kolkata, Dr. Rajib Bhattachrjee emphasizes the importance of integrating palliative care into comprehensive cancer treatment plans. By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families, palliative care plays a crucial role in improving the overall experience of cancer care, even in the last stage of treatment.