“Some people have a misconception that palliative care is an end-of-life service, but, in fact, it is a specialty designed to help you live well with a serious illness,” says Ramy Sedhom, MD, an oncologist and palliative care physician on the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “It is designed to help manage your symptoms in a way that complements your disease treatment plan.”
The process involves collaboration between your oncologist or other specialist, your primary care physician, and a palliative care physician through the Penn Medicine Princeton Cancer Center at Princeton Medical Center. Together, they develop an individualized plan to manage your symptoms.
“The entire team — as well as the patient and family — work together to make sure you get the care and support you need to manage the disease, and to live as well as possible,” says Dr. Sedhom, who is board certified in oncology and hospice and palliative medicine. “The American Society of Clinical Oncology, as well as other organizations, have found that including palliative care helps individuals with cancer live better and longer lives.”
Palliative care can include:
- Symptom management through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions
- Emotional and spiritual support services
- Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, visualization, massage, etc.
- Referrals to other support services
- Help with advance care planning
- Legacy building, bereavement care, and care of the caregiver
A referral for a palliative care consultation can be made by your oncologist, primary care doctor, other medical professional, or you can reach out on your own for an evaluation. Palliative care is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as most other insurance providers.