What is palliative care? Is it only for the terminally ill?

Dr Grace Yang, Consultant, Division of Supportive and Palliative Care at National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a member of the SingHealth group, answers questions on facts and myths surrounding cancer survivorship, supportive and palliative care.

Posted by GohLM (Republished by Forum Admin)

Dear Dr Grace Yang, my father has stage 2 lung cancer (he’s been a heavy smoker all his life).

• What is the survival rate?
• I hear the term ‘palliative care’ being mentioned frequently these days, what exactly does it entail? Is it only for the patient or does it also include family members?

Answered by Dr Grace Yang, Consultant, Division of Supportive and Palliative Care at National Cancer Centre Singapore.

Dear GohLM,

Sorry to hear that your father has lung cancer – must be a stressful time for the whole family. There is a good chance of cure for stage 2 lung cancer if he is able to get through the treatment. You will be able to find various 5-year survival rates online but these are just estimates and it is best to talk to your doctor about your individual situation.

“Palliative care” is an approach that focuses on quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, and for their families. Palliative care includes checking and treating for symptom problems such as pain, breathlessness and nausea. It also includes providing a listening ear and journeying with patients. Some general palliative care is provided by your cancer doctors and nurses. There is also specialist palliative care for those with more complex problems, and these specialist palliative care services may be based in the hospital, community or hospices. You can read more at https://singaporehospice.org.sg/

Posted by Tim (Republished by Forum Admin)

Dear Dr Yang,

I’m an only child and my parents are in their mid and late seventies. No serious condition with their health so far, thankfully. But we all know, no one stays in perfect health forever. So to prepare myself for that day, is palliative care beneficial for me and my family?

If it is, how do you suggest I go about broaching the idea to my parents (they’re old-fashioned)? Or is it more applicable only when they’re approaching end of life?

Answered by Dr Grace Yang, Consultant, Division of Supportive and Palliative Care at National Cancer Centre Singapore.

Palliative care is for patients with serious life-threatening illnesses and their families. Nonetheless, it is good to be prepared. You can start by having conversations. Conversations about their life story, about what is important to them, about what they look forward to in life. Then go ahead and make time for things that matter. There are some events for the month of October in various public libraries around Singapore. You can also check out https://singaporehospice.org.sg/events/ Going together to an exhibition or talk near you could be one way of broaching the idea.