Cancer can bring symptoms, emotional concerns, and questions about what comes next. Palliative care is a layer of medical support designed to improve quality of life for people living with cancer. At Minnesota Oncology, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and distress while helping patients and families navigate the practical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that can accompany illness. 

What Is Palliative Care? 

Palliative care is specialized medical care that can begin at diagnosis and continue throughout cancer treatment and beyond. It is available to patients at any stage of cancer and does not mean that treatment is stopping. Patients continue working with their oncology team and primary care provider while receiving palliative care. The palliative care team partners with those providers to support the patient's well-being. Dr. David Flemig, MD, Palliative Care at Minnesota Oncology, emphasizes that palliative care can be part of cancer care well before hospice is considered:

“I wish more people knew they can see us early, while they’re receiving cancer treatment. People often hear ‘palliative medicine’ and think of hospice. If the time comes to consider hospice, we can help you and your family talk through that decision. But you can see us long before that conversation ever comes up. 

We start by asking what you’d like to be able to do and what’s getting in the way. Maybe nausea makes it hard to enjoy dinner with your family, or pain keeps you from taking a walk with a friend. Our goal is to ease the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment so you can do more of the things you enjoy.” 

— David Flemig, MD, Palliative Care, Minnesota Oncology

How Can Palliative Care Help? 

Cancer and its treatment can cause symptoms that affect everyday life. Our palliative care team helps manage concerns such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fatigue, constipation, neuropathy, and insomnia. This team can also help address depression and anxiety related to cancer. 

Support goes beyond physical symptoms. Palliative care considers the whole person, including emotional, practical, and spiritual needs. Team members can help patients communicate with doctors and family members, clarify goals for care and treatment, and complete healthcare directives. They can also help identify resources for concerns involving finances, nutrition, assistance at home, and future care needs. Spiritual care may include guided imagery, meditation, prayer, or other support based on each patient's preferences. 

Who Is Part of the Care Team? 

Palliative care involves collaboration among healthcare professionals who address a patient's needs. Our team includes physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and a spiritual care provider. Patients and families are encouraged to take part in conversations about care and support. 

How Do You Get Started? 

A healthcare provider may recommend palliative care, or patients can ask their care team for an appointment. We offer palliative care visits in clinic or through telemedicine. Family members and caregivers are welcome to participate. After the first appointment, the team follows up regularly to address concerns and provide ongoing support. 

Palliative care is about making sure patients have support for symptoms, questions, and personal needs while they continue cancer care. To learn more, talk with our Minnesota Oncology care team.