Cancer diagnosis brings overwhelming emotions and complex medical decisions. Many patients and families believe palliative care only applies to end-of-life situations, but this misconception prevents them from accessing valuable support that can significantly improve their cancer journey from diagnosis onward.
Early palliative care represents a fundamental shift in cancer treatment philosophy. Rather than waiting until curative treatments are exhausted, this approach integrates comfort care, symptom management, and emotional support alongside active cancer treatment. Research consistently demonstrates that patients who receive early palliative care experience better quality of life, improved symptom control, and often longer survival rates.
