What Is Palliative Care for Cancer?

Palliative Care for Multiple Myeloma

The World Health Organization defines palliative care (https://www.who.int/health-topics/palliative-care)as specialized medical care focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing the challenges associated with terminal illnesses. It achieves this through early identification, accurate assessment, and effective treatment of pain and other problems, including physical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues. For someone living with multiple myeloma, this care is often referred to as supportive care.

The palliative care team works to manage common symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, nausea, and the significant emotional and psychological stress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. It can be provided at any stage of the illness, along with other treatments that aim to cure or control myeloma. (https://www.myeloma.org/long-term-care-planning)

How Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life

Research from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.24.00542) suggests that patients who receive early palliative care often report better quality of life and less depression. The benefits are wide-ranging and essential for anyone navigating a complex illness:

• Symptom and side effect management: Your team focuses on relieving pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleep difficulties so you can maintain your strength.
• Emotional and spiritual support: A multiple myeloma diagnosis can bring feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear. The palliative team includes social workers, counselors, and chaplains who can provide a safe space to find a sense of peace.
• Improved communication: Your palliative care team facilitates clear communication between you, your family, and your oncology team to ensure your treatment options align with your personal goals and values.
• Family support: Palliative care for myeloma extends to the entire family. The team provides resources, education, and support for family members and friends, helping them navigate the challenges of providing care while also attending to their own well-being.
   

The Important Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice

Accepting palliative care for myeloma does not mean you’re giving up hope. It means you are taking proactive steps to feel better, live fully, and make informed choices throughout your illness. Palliative care can and should begin at the moment of diagnosis alongside curative and life-prolonging treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Hospice care, in contrast, is a specific type of palliative care provided when the patient is no longer pursuing curative treatment. It is reserved for the final months of life when the focus shifts entirely to comfort and symptom management rather than curing the disease.

Who Is on Your Palliative Care Team?

Palliative care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists working in collaboration. This group typically includes:

• Palliative care doctors and nurses
• Social workers
• Pharmacists
• Nutritionists
• Chaplains or spiritual advisors
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
   

This team works in partnership with your primary oncologist to enhance your cancer care team. By managing the complex symptoms and stress, they free up your oncologist to focus on treating the myeloma itself.

How to Ask for Palliative Care

Advocating for your own comfort is a vital part of your cancer journey. If you believe you or your loved one could benefit from this extra layer of support, the first step is to talk to your doctor or oncology nurse. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends speaking directly to your health care provider.

Many cancer centers and hospitals offer palliative care services, but you don’t have to wait for your provider to bring it up. Asking for a referral is a sign of strength and a proactive step toward achieving a better quality of life.

The International Myeloma Foundation Is Here to Support Your Journey

Navigating your myeloma journey is not something you have to do alone. The International Myeloma Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all myeloma patients.

If you have questions about pain management, treatment options, or accessing supportive care, we are here to help. For personalized guidance and answers to your questions, contact the IMF InfoLine. (https://www.myeloma.org/infoline)

Sometimes the best support comes from those who are walking the same path. To connect with other patients and care partners who understand your experience, find an IMF Support Group (https://www.myeloma.org/support-groups) near you.