Understanding Palliative Care

This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about palliative care (sometimes called supportive care). Although palliative care is for anyone with a life-limiting illness, this booklet has been written specifically for people affected by advanced cancer.

The aim of palliative care is to improve your quality of life and help you stay independent for as long as possible. It may be beneficial for people at any stage of advanced cancer - it is not just for end of life.

Palliative care is managed in various ways throughout Australia and is tailored to each individual's needs. This booklet offers general information about palliative care. Talk to your health care team about the best approach for your situation.

If you find reading about palliative care distressing, read what seems useful now and leave the rest until you're ready. You may also like to pass this booklet to family and friends.