All.Can Patient Survey

35 ‘I was referred to the palliative service, which provided much more supportive care than I had ever imagined I could receive. I was given support, counselling, specialist advice, which was invaluable.’ Respondent from Australia What we know Many cancer patients experience unnecessary pain – studies suggest that one in three cancer patients do not receive pain medication appropriate to their pain level. 40 Palliative care is often assumed to be solely focused on end‑of‑life care – but, in fact, it is much broader. The World Health Organization defines it as an approach that improves quality of life for people (and their families) with life-threatening illnesses – including pain relief and psychosocial support. 6 Guidelines recommend that the need for palliative care should be built into treatment plans early in the course of illness, in conjunction with therapies that are intended to prolong life, such as chemotherapy or surgery. 6 41 Why it matters Early integration of palliative care can lead to improved symptom control and reduced distress through treatment and care delivery that matches patients’ preferences – and overall improvements in patient outcomes, quality of life and survival. 42-44 It can also significantly improve patients’ understanding of their prognosis over time, which may impact treatment decisions about end-of-life care and lead to less aggressive treatment. 44 45 Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency Respondents who had access to comprehensive palliative care services reported great satisfaction with this aspect of their care. However, a number of respondents said that palliative care was not discussed with them as an option when they themselves thought it could be helpful.