What Is Supportive & Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is the medical subspecialty focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. Palliative Care, also known as Supportive Care, is patient-centered and family-centered care for individuals living with cancer. Care can be provided at any point throughout a patient’s disease or treatment, including for newly diagnosed patients. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and support the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Supportive Care is complementary to the patient’s treatment goals. It is meant to supplement, not replace, the treatment plan that has been decided upon by the medical team and patient, which could include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
The mission of the Supportive Care clinic in the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center is to promote an interdisciplinary and comprehensive care plan that addresses your physical, psychological, and spiritual care needs. We aim to help patients live better and often longer in combination with their other medical care.