Managing Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer: The Role of Palliative Care
Navigating a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can be a challenging journey, but building the right support network and healthcare team can make all the difference. One integral part of that team is a palliative care team, whose role extends beyond end-of-life care.
Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach designed to improve a patient's quality of life at every stage of their healthcare journey, starting with diagnosis. A common misconception is that palliative care is only for those in their dying stages or is interchangeable with hospice care. However, this type of care focuses on enhancing a patient's quality of life and alleviating symptoms, regardless of their prognosis.
A palliative care team typically consists of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, dietitians, mental health professionals, and others, depending on the patient's needs. This team works collaboratively with the oncology team to manage symptoms, provide emotional and psychological support, and connect patients with additional resources they may require.
With the goal of improving a patient's quality of life, a palliative care team works tirelessly to manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, constipation, poor appetite, sleep concerns, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. This symptom management leads to a greater sense of relief for patients, helping them feel more in control of their illness.
Palliative care teams also help patients and their loved ones navigate difficult conversations, such as end-of-life discussions, treatment options, and expectations. They help patients develop advance directives, appoint healthcare decision makers, and cope with the emotional challenges that arise after a diagnosis.
It is essential to engage with palliative care early to reap its numerous benefits. Palliative care teams can help patients manage symptoms, plan their care, identify their support system, and cope with their diagnosis. By focusing on their ultimate goal, maintaining a sense of normalcy, and continuing to work if possible, patients can live more fulfilling lives despite their condition.
Incorporating palliative care into oncology treatment has proven to lead to better patient outcomes, improved survival rates, and improved quality of life. However, there are equity issues concerning access to palliative care, especially in racial and ethnic minorities. Efforts are being made to address these disparities to ensure equitable access to palliative care services.
- A palliative care team's role may also involve addressing medical-conditions like cancer, as they strive to improve patients' quality of life through symptom management.
- Navigating a career or health-and-wellness routine could be more manageable for a patient with breast-cancer if they have a palliative care team supporting them, offering emotional support and symptom alleviation.
- Working collaboratively with the oncology team, a palliative care team might help patients understand various treatment options, including cancer treatment plans and medical-conditions management strategies.
- Beyond enhancing health and alleviating physical symptoms, palliative care teams also focus on improving patients' mental health, helping them cope with depression and anxiety that often accompany medical-conditions like breast-cancer.
