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 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.
Palliative care 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.