Palliative care is often misunderstood. A common misconception is that palliative care is only for people who are dying. Bladder cancer patients can receive palliative care at any point during their illness – not just at the end of life.
Palliative Care for Bladder Cancer
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care for bladder cancer involves symptom control as well as social, spiritual and psychological support. It’s provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses and other professionals, such as nutritionists or social workers, who work together to provide support. Palliative care improves quality of life and is an integral part of metastatic bladder cancer management. You may also be provided supportive and palliative care throughout your cancer journey.
This type of care treats pain, depression, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and any other symptoms that may be causing you distress.
Why Choose Palliative Care for Bladder Cancer Patients?
Palliative care for bladder cancer can be provided along with curative treatment and may even begin at the time of diagnosis. It can be provided by your regular doctors and health care team or a specific palliative care team.
The Value of a Palliative Care Team Referral
Since palliative care teams specialize in dealing with the full range of cancer symptoms, they can ensure that you enjoy the best quality of life possible.
These professionals help you sort out your immediate concerns, like worrying about chemotherapy or radiation, or what impact surgery may have, or if you’ll lose your hair, or what will happen if you end treatment. They also guide you in reflecting on your values and life goals, helping you weigh the effects of different treatment paths—including when facing advanced bladder cancer. Overall, a palliative care team members will help you look at the bigger picture, deciding what you value most in life or weighing the effects of a given treatment against those of the disease itself.
It is important to remember that palliative care for bladder cancer does not necessarily mean end of life care or no active treatment; it can complement active cancer treatment to make the experience easier.
Where to Find Palliative Care Resources
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) can provide you with more information about palliative care, including links to provincial associations which can offer information on specific hospice palliative care services near your community. You’ll find the CHPCA website here.
Navigating Bladder Cancer and Palliative Care with Bladder Cancer Canada
Bladder Cancer Canada is the first and only patient advocacy organization in Canada dedicated to bladder cancer issues. Facing bladder cancer is undoubtedly a challenging journey, but with the support of the Bladder Cancer Canada community, you can find the strength and knowledge to navigate it more confidently.
Contact us for support and guidance!