What are the primary goals of palliative care in oncology?

The primary goals of palliative care in oncology focus on alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illness, such as cancer. Palliative care is centered on the patient’s experience, emphasizing comfort and support rather than solely targeting the disease itself. This approach involves managing pain, providing psychological and emotional support, and addressing the physical, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

By concentrating on symptom relief, such as managing pain, nausea, dyspnea, and other distressing side effects of cancer and its treatment, palliative care helps patients maintain a better quality of life, regardless of the stage of their disease or the need for curative treatment. This holistic model recognizes that cancer affects every aspect of a patient’s life and aims to provide comprehensive care that is aligned with the patient's values and preferences.

While education on nutrition and developing comprehensive therapy plans can be important aspects of care, they serve more as supportive components rather than the primary focus of palliative care. The distinction lies in the palliative care philosophy, which prioritizes the patient’s quality of life and support mechanisms over curative intentions or detailed therapeutic strategies.